As the schools reopened on Monday, January 10, the Ministry of Health has released new guidelines to be adhered to by schools in line with the prevention of Covid-19 pandemic.

The announcement follows the reopening of the second term of the academic year for primary, secondary, and TVET schools starting on, January 10

"Parents are encouraged to have their children tested for Covid-19 if they are five years old and above using rapid test,” read the statement signed by health minister Dr Daniel Nganije.

Adding that whenever the school requests the student to test for Covid-19 the administrators are instructed to allow parents to test their children using the rapid test.

The ministry also reminded the parents and educators to continue following measures to prevent Covid-19 everywhere.

All students with Covid-19 symptoms are urged not to go to school, but instead stay home and be treated until they recover.

Schools speak out

In an interview with The New Times, the head teacher of GS Gaseke in Gicumbi district, Theogene Harerimana, said that they have taken different measures such as installing handwashing facilities, enforce proper wearing of masks and other measures including social distancing.

He added that all students from 12 years old and above, teachers, and all other staff are being urged to get vaccinated and they have already prepared isolation rooms separately for boys and girls in case there is a 

"We also recommend for parents to avail and give all required materials and equipment to their children so that everyone uses their own to avoid sharing and prevent Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Julius Kaboyo, the Dean of Students at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village said that they are ready and prepared to welcome the students and do everything possible to keep them safe.

"Our first concern as students return is their health (both physical and mental). Besides the known SOPs provided by the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre, we test all staff members before entering the village,” he said

Kaboya added that they also put in place monitoring measures to check for signs and symptoms and work with the Rwamagana Command Post and Rubona Health Centre to test and manage positive cases.

"We have also put aside houses equipped with PPEs for isolation and home-based care in case of positive cases. In addition, the Department of Health and Wellness conducts workshops for all staff members on both COVID-19 transmission and prevention” he added.

In order to respect Covid-19 guidelines, all students take the buses provided for them from their respective picking points and not bus stations, with students from Kigali City to board their buses from the Kigali Stadium in Nyamirambo.