South Africa Delays School Reopening by a Week, to Allow for More Preparation

South Africa has delayed the reopening of schools by a week to allow school administrators more time to prepare.

Final year students in primary and secondary schools will now report back to school on 8 June, according to the Department of Basic Education.

Teachers will report to work on 1 June for orientation on new safety guidelines intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus in schools.

Boarding school students who have already gone back for the initial opening this Monday have been advised to stay for the orientation on safety.

South Africa is moving to "level three" of the easing of lockdown restrictions, with the sale of alcohol and movement within districts allowed from Monday.

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Churches, temples and mosques have been allowed to reopen provided they have no more than 50 worshippers.

The basic education ministry said the reopening date was delayed after consultations and the minster in charge, Angie Motshekga, is expected to give more details later on Monday.

Teachers had asked the government to reconsider the reopening date citing lack of preparedness.

Parents in various Twitter posts had said they would keep their children away from school for fear they might contract the virus.

The country's confirmed coronavirus cases stand at 32, 683 including 683 deaths.

SOURCE: BBC