Today, June 29th 2020 is the official day for opening of all schools in Tanzania, making it the first country to re-open schools in East Africa following the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to media in Tanzania, the re-opening however comes with strict orders to observe prevention and protection guidelines for COVID-19.
The Tanzanian government suspended all schools on March 17, 2020 soon after the outbreak of COVID-19.
On June 1st, universities, finalist classes and Teacher Training Colleges in the country resumed educational activities on orders of President John Pombe Magufuli.
Addressing the parliament, Magufuli said the decision was taken as the number of coronavirus infections “drastically dropped.” He also ordered the re-opening of all schools on June 29.
According to authorities in Tanzania, a total of 85,546 Form Six students and finalist candidates from all Teachers Training Colleges are starting their final exams today.
The Exams will end on July 16, 2020 and Education Minister Prof. Joyce Ndalichako has ordered the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) to release the examination results before 31, Aug 2020.
The Tanzanian president has been criticized for not implementing strict measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Last month, Magufuli said Tanzania’s economy must go ahead as it is more important than coronavirus, which has reportedly killed 21 people in the East African country.
Statistics for coronavirus in Tanzania show a flattened curve starting on May 08 with 509 confirmed cases and 21 deaths.
However, several authorities including the US Embassy in the country have continually accused Tanzanian authorities for non-disclosure as cases continue to rise amidst limited response capacity.
“Limited hospital capacity throughout Tanzania could result in life-threatening delays for emergency medical care,” a US Embassy alert issued on May 13, said.
