South Sudan to reopen schools after COVID-19 closure

JUBA, South Sudan

Authorities in South Sudan on Saturday ordered all schools to reopen across the country after nearly six months of closure to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, the decision was made in a cabinet meeting on Friday to reopen primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, following a presentation by Health Minister Elizabeth Achuei that indicated a significant decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and infections.

In her report, Achuei said the number of coronavirus cases had fallen in the country in recent weeks.

As of Friday, South Sudan had a total of 2,578 cases, including 49 deaths and 1,438 recoveries.

"The cabinet has decided that all the higher institutes of learning and schools should resume and should be open," Lueth told Anadolu Agency in the capital Juba.

He added that the exact date of the reopening would be determined by the ministries of higher education and general education.

The General Education Ministry said an assessment was ongoing to determine how many schools needed to be disinfected before classes started, as well as the general hygiene and safety rules that would be enforced.

Schools in South Sudan were closed in March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.