The government has announced the dates for the reopening of schools which was delayed by the COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said schools will reopen on 30 August 2021 for examination classes and on 6 September 2021 for non-examination classes.
Mutsvangwa also said intercity and intracity transportation, which was banned when the government tightened lockdown measures two months ago, will be allowed to transport learners. She said:
Noting with satisfaction the preparations for the resumption of classes in schools, Cabinet is advising that schools will re-open on 30 August 2021 for examination classes, and on 6 September 2021 for non-examination classes.
As such, the inter-city and intra-city transportation for learners will be allowed during school re-opening periods, subject to close monitoring by law enforcement agencies.
She also revealed that restaurants are now allowed to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated subject to the production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols, which include wearing face coverings, social distancing and hand sanitising.
Mutsvangwa said the government has so far acquired 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, out of the 20 million required in order to achieve herd immunity. She said on the advice of scientists, the vaccination programme will be extended to the 14-17 year age group.
The government will, “in the spirit of regional cooperation and solidarity,… donate 20 000 doses of vaccines to the Government of Namibia”, Mutsvangwa further revealed.