Faith Nyasuguta
Tanzania has reopened all its schools even as the government indicates that it is reviewing provided guidelines on countering Covid-19 spread.
Abel Makub, the Health Ministry permanent Secretary noted that the government opted to review the earlier guidelines following the global rapid surge of COVID-19 cases. “The Health Ministry has been closely following the COVID-19 outbreak trend within and outside the country and found that the number of patients has been increasing in the recent past, signalling the presence of transmissions in our communities,” Prof Makubi said.
The schools have been closed for the past three months.He added that the government looked into its 2020 COVID-19 preventive measures to all learning institutions and made some alterations on them.
The alterations aim at creating a conducive environment for learners across daycares, primary, secondary schools and institutions of higher learning.
The guidelines have targeted four areas. These are creating a conducive learning environment before resumption of studies, the learning environment, health examination and public transportation into and out of the learning institutions.
The Ministry of education and other ministries responsible in some areas of education will ensure all institutions have hand washing facilities.Further, all learners and teachers will be taught on COVID-19 spread prevention.
Populous learning institutions will adopt a shift system.
“The Education ministry should ensure schools and universities prioritise the correct use of masks. Students, teachers, lecturers should put them on at all times,” Prof Makubi directed.
Any learners confirmed to have COVID-19 will stay home until recovery.
