COVID-19 Prevention in Elementary and Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Corona virus disease affects all segment of present-day society regardless of age, sex and societal status as well as environment. Objective: This article explored possible measures that would prevent the spread of COVID-19 in elementary and secondary school environments. Method: A qualitative study utilizing exploratory descriptive approach. Online social media platforms-were exploited for data collection with voluntary, yet eligible 36 participants drawn from the teaching and healthcare fields between 1st of April to 4sht of May 2020. Data analysis: Participants` responses were transcribed verbatim and a line-by-line thematic analysis was conducted to identify emerging themes. Finding: Five themes and thirteen (13) sub-themes emerged namely: Preventive measures: awareness and knowledge creation: effective information and management system: availability of drugs and other amenities: monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion: If the aforementioned measures are adopted, though COVID-19 will leave with mankind as other infectious diseases for a period until science can discover means to eradicate, the fast spreading rate will be reduced to a very low ebb and educational activities would be uninterrupted, since there would not be further closure of elementary and secondary schools in Bayelsa State.