What are you doing with your time at home?
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, March 12, 2020 directed schoolchildren to stay home until further notice to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. We interviewed some of our readers to find out what they know about the virus, how they are protecting themselves against the disease and how they are spending their time at home.
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I have been home since March 16, 2020, when the President directed that no student should go to school because of the deadly virus, Coronavirus or COVID-19. I understand this is to stop the spread of the disease which is easy to contract. Although I am at home, I still try to study every day and make sure I do not miss out on anything. I must say it has been interesting staying at home. For instance, I am learning to use a crochet to weave hats, socks, cardigans and many other things for babies. My mother is the one teaching me so it makes it extra enjoyable. Sunyani is not on lockdown but I hardly go out because I know a lot about COVID-19 and how it spreads. I also wash my hands regularly with soap under running water and use sanitiser afterward.
Harriet Oppong Yeboah Akosua, Saint Mary's Junior High School, Sunyani, Bono Region.
Coronavirus is a disease which has broken out all over the world. It started in China and it spreads fast. When someone gets infected, they become feverish, cough, have bodily pains and cold. When you shake hands with an infected person and touch your face with your hands, you will also get infected. Because of the mode of the spread, we schoolchildren have been asked to stay home and we are no more going to church too. To avoid being infected, I wash my hands with soap under running water every 20 minutes. I also use hand sanitiser. I am home attending classes, reading my books and learning on my tablet. I always wash my dresses and bath very well.
Jacqueline Sapari, Javerd International school, Denu, Volta Region.
Initially, when we were asked to stay home, I was bored because I did not know what I was going to do with the extra free time that I had. However, since last week, I hardly get any time to play because our teachers have been sending us notes and homework through my mother’s phone and now I am very busy. This, notwithstanding, I prefer to go to school than stay at home so I am pleading that everybody adheres to the President’s directive by staying home so that together we can fight this deadly virus called coronavirus or COVID-19 and go back to school to see our friends. We should also try as much as possible to wash our hands regularly with soap under running water so that we don’t spread the disease. Stay home, stay healthy.
Nicolas Kwabena Boateng Baiden, Saints Peter and Paul School, Accra.
At first, it was boring staying at home but now we are making family memories by doing a lot of things as a family. We also get lessons from our teachers. I have been helping my mother to cook. I also assist my siblings with their studies and take videos of my siblings playing and having fun. We watch and laugh later. Those of you in Accra and Kumasi, where you are on partial lockdown, I urge you not to be bored but make the best of it by creating memorable activities for the whole family to enjoy. Most importantly, observe personal hygiene by washing your hands with soap under running water in order not to be infected.
Marilyn Adjei, Holy Spirit School, Ho, Volta Region
The Coronavirus situation is a worrying one in the whole world. I heard in the news that many people have been affected by the virus and many people have died. I understand the virus affects the lungs of the human body and makes it difficult for a person to breathe. Some of the symptoms of an infected person are fever, cough and sneezing. Although I am not happy that we are not going to school, I know the President wants to keep us safe. While at home, I wash my hands regularly with soap under running water and I always cover my mouth and nose with a tissue or my elbow when I sneeze or cough. To keep myself busy, I read storybooks. My parents have arranged with a teacher to teach me at home. When he comes, he washes his hands or uses sanitiser before teaching. I also help my parents by fetching water, washing plates and sweeping the porch. I encourage all children to stay home and be safe and also pray to God to take the Coronavirus away so that we can go to school.
Hillary Klenam Kanyi, Kabore School Complex, Ho, Volta Region.