GNAT calls for mass testing in schools with COVID-19 cases

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the government to as a matter of urgency, conduct mass testing in schools that have so far recorded cases of COVID-19.

President of the GNAT, Philippa Larsen said the government had promised that such mass testing would follow should any schools record cases of the virus.

Accra Girls SHS, Konongo Wesley SHS and Mfanstiman Girls SHS are among the schools that have by far, recorded confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

“We were informed that anytime there is the information of a confirmed case in a particular school, students and staff of the school will go through the testing,” she recounted in an interview.

GNAT, along with other teacher unions and observers, had initially proposed mass testing before school resumed on June 22, 2020. But the government consistently argued that there was no feasibility in conducting mass testing.

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While speaking on the recorded cases, Ms. Larsen said:

“We expect that the schools that have recorded cases should have their staff and students go through the testing.”

Inadequate of PPE

One of the main challenges GNAT has observed has been the inadequate supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) ahead of the reopening of schools.

The government assured that each student, teaching and non-teaching staff will be provided with three pieces of reusable face masks. Two of these were expected to be ready within two weeks of schools resuming.

But Ms. Larsen also noted that schools were still lacking PPEs, as well as other accessories like thermometer guns, sanitizers etc.

“We are not too happy about the fact that schools have not received the full complement of their logistics,” she said.

Also, 8,000 Veronica Buckets, 800,000 pieces of 200-millilitre sanitisers, 36,000 rolls of tissue paper, 36,000 gallons of liquid soap and 7,200 thermometer guns were supposed to be supplied to the schools.

Despite the existing challenges, Ms. Larsen [GNAT president] acknowledged that schools were largely adhering to the safety protocols.

“Work is going on in the schools; the way they have arranged their beds and all. I visited some of the dormitories and I was impressed, to be honest with you.”