COVID-19 Pandemic and Hygiene: Assessment of Running-water Infrastructure in Secondary Schools in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious disease, a product of a freshly discovered coronavirus. With no specific cure as of now, preventing its spread is important to minimize its outbreak. The study was carried out on secondary schools in Ijebu-North Local Government Area (LGA), one of the 20 LGAs in Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data on water availability, supply, connection to buildings, handwashing facility coverage and functionality were sourced from public secondary schools in Ijebu-North LGA with the aid of questionnaires. Findings revealed that only one school (Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo) is fully equipped with running water connected to buildings and with functional handwashing facilities in place. Most of the schools do not have water infrastructure that can support adequate hygiene, with a score of 16 out of the total 95 available scores. Since regular and thorough washing of hands with soap and water, reduces the chances of being infected by or spreading COVID-19, this study advocates for direct taking over of water infrastructure provided in schools by the Water Agency in the areas where these schools are allocated. This take-over will be for the purpose of routine maintenance for the sustainability of the water infrastructure. Government and other donors should facilitate investments in water, sanitation and hygiene in order to prepare these schools for resumption and sustenance after the health crisis.