The Rivers State Government has on Friday announced that universities, secondary schools, other tertiary institutions, and vocational schools in the state are set to reopen on October 5, 2020. The commissioner of education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku made this known while addressing journalists at the end of an emergency State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Nyesom Wike, at the Government, Port Harcourt. He said the reopening of schools did not include primary level, adding that a seven-man taskforce will be established to monitor the compliance of COVID-19 safety measures by schools.
"The council approved that schools in the State reopen on the 5th of October, 2020, with only the following – all secondary schools in the state, vocational schools in the state, universities and other tertiary institutions.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the council based on expert medical advice did not approve the reopening of primary schools in the state, which would await a new date in the future," Ebeku stated.
Also, the council approved the reopening of public places including cinemas, restaurants between the hours of 6 am and 9 pm. However, nightclubs, lounges, and bars remain closed as well as the Oil Mill and Slaughter markets.
"Rivers State Executive Council had an emergency session to review issues concerning the COVID-19 protocols in the State," Paulinu Nsirim, the states' Information and Communications Commissioner.
"Parts of the decisions reached include that public places like parks, cinemas, and restaurants will be opened, but between the hours of 6am and 9pm daily and must comply with COVID-19 protocols.
"Nightclubs and bars remain closed. Oil Mill market and Slaughter market, Oginigba also remain closed," the commissioner added.