Indicators for the reopening of Schools and other Education Institutions

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect education systems and communities in Africa and across the world. Despite the continued spread of the virus, many African countries have started lifting containment measures and reopening schools and other education institutions. The health, safety and wellbeing of  students, teachers and education support personnel must be the number one priority in considering reopening of schools and other education institutions.  A back to school roadmap that minimizes, not only the immediate impact of the closure, but also addresses the long-term safety precautions, should be a prerequisite for return to school. Governments and competent authorities should ensure that the key indicators are adhered to when deciding to reopen or keep schools and other education institutions open during the pandemic.