Announcing the directive, the General Education and Instruction minister, Awut Deng Acuil said guidelines have been put in place for re-opening of schools and those that do not comply will be de-registered.
“Minimize playground activities to early morning or preferably indoors. Provide water for learners during school time,” she explained.
On March 18, a joint statement from the Health and Education ministries emphasized the health risks posed by the extreme heat in the country.
The two ministries also announced closure of schools across the country.
“To protect students’ well-being, all schools will cease operation starting Monday, March 18th,” the statement read in part.
The directive to all states urged parents to keep children indoors during the closure and monitor young children for any signs of heat exhaustion.
To ensure compliance, however, the statement warned that any school that is found operating during the closure would face license revocation.
Health professionals say prolonged exposure to high temperatures can significantly strain bodies. This stress can worsen existing health conditions like respiratory and heart diseases, diabetes and kidney problems.
According to experts, heatwaves seriously threaten public health, potentially leading to mass casualties and disruptions to social and economic activities, including lost work hours and reduced productivity.
