Mbabane: The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has announced that schools will reopen on 9 August 2021 as the country moves to adjusted level 3 lockdown.
This was announced by the Honorable Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini at the cabinet offices on Monday.
Making the announcement the premier said Government continues to monitor the situation on the ground and is cognisant of the responsibility to always protect the lives and livelihoods of all emaSwati. He stated that a decision has been made by the government to move the country to an adjusted Level 3 of the COVID-19 intervention.
“I am therefore pleased to announce that Government has taken a conscious decision to open schools under the adjusted Level 3 on 9 August 2021. This opening is preceded by the roll-out of a vaccination exercise for all teachers and education workers from today to the end of the week. A total of 42 Centres have been identified for the vaccination exercise and teachers are encouraged to visit their nearest site,” he said.
Worth noting is that the government has already rolled out a vaccination campaign for frontline workers including teachers. On Monday a nationwide vaccination campaign was rolled out which will target people aged 40 and above.
He highlighted that Government was challenged to prioritize the education of the children who have greatly suffered since March 2020, which was the beginning of lockdowns.
He noted that despite that schools eventually opened early this year, it was only for about 60 days of face-to-face teaching and learning time as they had to be closed again on 29 June 2021. Dlamini noted that even during these open days, learners were not able to attend on all days of the week due to the rotational and blended schedules designed to ensure students adhere to COVID-19 health protocols such as social distancing.
The premier said Government fully recognizes the importance of prioritizing education even during emergencies as educational institutions remain a critical sector towards socio-economic development.
He said Government also understands that schools are not only a place for academic learning but also for social and mental cohesion, social interaction, and social support. He made reference that for preschool children, school readiness is critical and has potentially lasting effects. School closure has not only disrupted children’s learning and development, but also access to school meals, psychological support, and speedy referral to basic health and social services.
Business
With the adjested level 3 measures, Dlamini also announced that shops will open from 7am – 6pm while food outlets such as restaurants, including petrol stations to close at 7pm with effect from midnight today.
Dlamini reminded emaSwatini that large gatherings are not permitted and only a maximum of 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors can attend community meetings. “Night vigils, kufukama, and memorial services remain strictly prohibited,” he said. He encouraged the public to continue adhering to all health protocols as stated by the ministry of health.
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