MONROVIA, Liberia– As Liberian tries to contain the spread of the coronavirus following its second confirmed case, the Ministry of Education on Friday announced the extension of the closure of schools across the country to March 31, 2020.
Schools in the country were due to open next Monday, after President Weah announced the discovery of the first recorded case of the deadly COVID-19 on Monday, March 16, 2020.
The discovery of the second coronavirus case followed shortly after President Weah addressed the nation, promising to put in place further restriction to safeguard citizens and residents against the spread of the deadly pandemic.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics as at March 18, 2020, there are 209, 839 confirmed case of COVID-19, with 8, 778 deaths and affecting 169 countries around the world.
“The Ministry of Education hereby announces that classes remain suspended until the end of March (that is, until Tuesday, March 31). This is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 virus spreading, and applies to all educational institutions in Liberia. Education Officers will work with school administrators to ensure that this is observed,” says the Education Ministry’s press release.
It says the Ministry has taken this decision based on the expert advice of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Health. Any decision on re-opening schools will be guided by the nation’s health experts.
“The Ministry of Education understands that this is a difficult time, and that uncertainty may be causing concerns for parents and families. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students and teachers. The Ministry will inform the public as soon as new information is available.”
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry says in collaboration with its partners, they “are developing ways, through media and other forms of technology, to keep students learning whilst they are at home. We encourage families to keep children reading and studying at home, and urge the public to follow the Government’s health advice.”