Schools Closed in Rwanda`s Capital Over Covid Fears

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Back in March, Rwanda closed all Universities and other learning institutions. The Rwandan authorities did not provide any details concerning when the institutions would reopen. The only information provided was that the institutions would remain closed, pending further health and preparedness assessments due to COVID-19.

Rwandan Schools Closed in March

In March, Rwanda confirmed its very first positive COVID-19 case. This prompted the government to close schools to stop further spreading. Some government officials revealed at the time that the President expected to reopen the institutions in September. But despite the numerous efforts to contain the disease in March, the cases continued to increase. These results raised doubts amongst many Rwandanese on whether schools and universities would reopen.

From March to August, Rwanda recorded 3,624 positive cases and 15 deaths due to the coronavirus. Other figures from the Ministry of Health revealed that Rwanda had active cases numbering 1,800 at the time. Because of this, Rwanda`s Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, announced that the reopening of schools and Universities in September would be unlikely. She encouraged citizens to practice and strengthen remote learning, as the situation had worsened. Dr. Valentine added that the government could not reopen schools while still having hundreds of cases daily.

Schools Reopened Partially in Rwanda

But after a seven months break away from school, Rwandan authorities announced that there would be a partial reopening of schools. The authorities instructed Senior students in Rwanda primary and secondary schools to resume studies after the lengthy suspension. Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) also reopened their institutions.

Rwanda`s Minister of Education Valentine Uwamariya told reporters that schools reopened after a thorough assessment by the Ministry. She said that the Ministry conducted investigations on whether institutions could fulfill all COVID-19 prevention and control measures. After the inspections, the Ministry concluded that schools could reopen partially. But school administrators had to ensure full implementation of the precautionary measures in their institutions before reopening. The measure would ensure the prevention of further outbreaks of the COVID-19 disease.

Some of the Ministry’s safety measures asked educational institutions to ensure included installing sufficient hand washing and sanitizing facilities. Additionally, the Ministry asked schools to keep administration premises clean. Schools were also asked to enforce social distancing measures and spray disinfectant around facilities. By keeping the classrooms clean, the administrators would reduce the risk of infections across the country.

Schools Closed in Kigali

In addition to all the safety measures, the Ministry of education asked all teachers and administrative staff, and students to ensure they wear face masks. The Ministry said the face masks would be a must at all times at school.  Furthermore, the Ministry made it a must for parents to wear face masks while dropping off and picking up their children.

However, even with all these restraints in place, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in Rwanda. This week the country announced 11,032 confirmed cases with 142 deaths. Because of this, the Rwandan authorities announced the closure of schools once again. The authorities said all schools in the capital, Kigali, would close from Monday as the numbers of coronavirus cases had risen. Minister of education Valentine Uwamariya said schools in other provinces would also shut down if cases continue to rise.

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