Schools in Tanzania reopened on Monday amid concerns about the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure a conducive learning environment, the government has revised its 2020 COVID-19 preventive guidelines to schools, universities and educational institutions. The new guidelines will involve four areas including preparation of healthy learning environments, health examination, public transport to and from schools and learning environments.
Speaking in Dodoma, Tanzania’s Health Ministry permanent secretary, Prof Abel Makubi, said the decision by the government came after close monitoring of the virus both within and outside the country indicated increased community transmission and global infections.
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“This guideline is targeting to create a conducive environment at the educational institutions, including universities, primary and secondary schools, nursery schools and day-care centers before students resume classes,” said Prof Makubi.
As schools reopen, the ministry of Health has cautioned learners, teachers, and support staff to strictly observe the COVID-19 containment protocols among them maintaining physical distance, hand washing and wearing of masks while schools with large numbers are to adopt a shift system.
Meanwhile, the Tanzanian government has revealed that it has started the process of putting up a vaccine manufacturing plant that will manufacture vaccines including COVID-19 vaccines in the country.
Prof. Makubi said the country has the expertise and resources to make the proposal a success.
