President Magufuli orders Tanzanian schools to reopen on June 29

Tanzanian President John Magufuli. PHOTO | ANADOLU AGENCY via AFP

What you need to know:

  • Schools in the country had been closed in March over the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • The president, however, urged residents to observe hygiene and preventive measures as instructed by health authorities.

Dodoma,

Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Monday ordered schools to reopen on June 29.

Schools in the country had been closed in March over the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic which has infected more than 5.1 million people worldwide and killed over 333,000.

The president made the announcement while addressing Parliament in Dodoma, saying, “Because of the reduced cases of coronavirus in the country, I would like to take this opportunity to announce the reopening of all remaining schools, and all social activities that were restricted like wedding celebrations should also resume.”

“Life must go back to normal,” he added.

On June 1, university, college and Form Six students resumed their studies.

The president, however, urged residents to observe hygiene and preventive measures as instructed by health authorities.

Tanzania also recently reopened airports for international passenger flights, becoming the first East African nation to resume tourism activities, reopen the entire economy and allow social gatherings.

On Monday, Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said there were 66 active coronavirus cases in the country hospitalised in 10 regions. The other 16 regions of the country do not have an active Covid-19 case.

The president's speech on Monday marked the end of the 11th Parliament which is set to be dissolved after completing its term, ahead of the General Election in October.