Tanzania to reopen schools after 3-month closure

President Magufuli says decision to reopen schools was taken as COVID-19 infection has ‘drastically dropped’

ANKARA (AA) - All schools in Tanzania will reopen as of June 29 after three months of closure due to the novel coronavirus, local media reported quoting the country’s president.

The Monday’s announcement by President John Magufuli makes Tanzania the first country in East Africa to reopen schools, according to The Citizen local website.

Addressing the parliament on Monday, Magufuli said the decision was taken as the number of coronavirus infections “drastically dropped.”

On June 1, universities in the country resumed educational activities with hygiene rules put in place by the country’s Health Ministry.

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.

“Limited hospital capacity throughout Tanzania could result in life-threatening delays for emergency medical care,” a US Embassy statement said.

Tanzania has confirmed 509 COVID-19 cases, with 21 deaths, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University.

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