• Reopening of schools delayed by two weeks.
• Education institutions must put in place Covid health guidelines.
• Parents to use the two weeks to adequately prepare for the reopening.

President Edgar Lungu has delayed the reopening of schools slated for Monday 18th January, 2021 by two weeks.
According to a statement obtained by Money FM News, President Lungu stated that this is to allow all education institutions to put in place Covid-19 health guidelines aimed at protecting learners and teachers.
The Head of State directed Ministers of General Education and Higher Education in collaboration with Ministries of Health and Local Government to ensure that all schools are ready for opening on Monday 1st February, 2021.
He said resumption of classes will depend on the readiness of each learning institution.
And President Lungu said he is away of the financial challenges parents go through after the festive season and hopes they will use the two weeks to adequately prepare for the reopening of schools.
“I have heard the concerns of parents, guardians and other stakeholders, therefore, this decision is aimed at ensuring institutions of learning prepare adequately, and strictly adhere to public health regulations, guidelines, and certification, and also to allow for satisfactory, and adequate preparedness by all relevant authorities, including parents and guardians,” President Lungu said.
He further stated that he will allow the reopening of schools in the context of living with the Covid-19 pandemic under the new normal, meaning the observance of masking up, social distancing, washing hands with soap will be key, while home remedies like steaming are also important.
The President emphasized that the reopening of schools maybe varied depending on how the pandemic evolves and urged citizens not to politicize the fight against Covid-19 because the virus has no political boundaries.