Ebola outbreak: Liberia to reopen schools as spread of disease decreases
The school year was due to start in September but the government decided in August to keep students at home
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liberia will reopen schools next month, almost six months after the government closed them because of the Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 3,400 people in the West African nation.
The rate of new Ebola cases has slowed in recent weeks in Liberia where the government and international organisations have, with support from the US, stepped up efforts to stop it spreading.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said schools would reopen on 2 February, but she did not specify whether the measure would apply to the entire education system. George Wuo, a director at the Education Ministry, said the authorities were assessing around 500 schools.
“We are negotiating with our partners for the distribution of non-contact thermometers and buckets for hand washing to all schools in the Republic of Liberia,” Mr Wuo said.
The school year was due to start in September but the government decided in August to keep students at home to prevent the further spread of the disease.
More than 20,000 cases of the virus have been reported across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, causing nearly 8,000 deaths.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments