Schools will reopen in four phases, starting with the reopening of 5,131 schools with less than 200 students and 3,884 schools with only grades one to five.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Government Information, education and health sector officials are expected to discuss preparations for reopening schools on a regional, district and provincial level next week.

Students will be able to return to school as the country’s COVID-19 situation improves and travel restrictions are relaxed.

While vaccination for children below 12 is not yet recommended, vaccination of the 12-15 and 16-19 age groups is expected to commence as soon as decisions are made by the relevant bodies.

1,332 persons test positive for COVID-19

250,356 COVID-19 vaccines administered on Thursday

82 COVID-19 deaths raise total fatalities to 12,530