Students attending government schools returned to the classroom yesterday after having one week off in a bid to contain the recent pink eye outbreak.
The decision to close all government schools was made by the Ministry of Education, following the advice given to them by the Ministry of Health, who noted a marked increase in the number of pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, cases presented to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.
Aele Primary School Principal, Taua’i Peniamina Finauga, said the decision made by his Ministry was the right one, especially when he saw the growing number of students’ affected by the disease.
“As we all know, what the Ministry of Education decided was really interesting in order to protect not only the children, but everyone, from spreading the pinkeye disease,” he said.
“Children are usually the most susceptible to getting the condition from bacteria or viruses because they are in close contact with so many others in schools.
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“Last week’s break helped in easing the spread of the disease.”
He said most of his students had recovered from the disease, and he hopes that it will go away all together very soon.
“Not only for the children affected but the teachers as well,” he said.
“By asking everyone stay at home it helped to minimise the burden on parents having to take their children to hospital for treatment, especially if their child gets re-infected.”
Mother, Fa’asifo Maepu, said following last week’s closure it was good seeing many children and teachers back at school and in good health.
“Some of the parents were worried when they discovered the fast spread of pinkeye,” she said.
“But closing schools down last week was the right decision, now everyone is back and fully recovered.
“As Samoans, we all need to grow and live in a safe environment free from diseases.
“All parents must understand the most common ways to contract pinkeye is by reusing handkerchiefs and towels when wiping your face and eyes, forgetting to wash your hands often and by frequently your touching eyes and then others.
“So I want to thank the Ministry for their decision to close down the schools last week.”
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