By Frank Kamuntu
Tanzanian
President John Pombe Magufuli announced on Thursday that universities and
colleges will be opened on June 1, a few days after he doubted Chinese COVID-19
testing Kits, saying numbers of Coronavirus cases have dropped in the country.
He made the
announcement during the swearing-in of Tanzania’s ambassadors to Kenya, Algeria
and Mozambique as well as that of the Health deputy minister Godwin Mollel, at
the State house in Dodoma.
Magufuli
stated that the decision was made basing on the decrease in COVID-19 cases and said
that the relevant ministry should make all arrangements that are necessary
within nine weeks, so as to allow students to have all the requirements needed
when they return, including loans for those who are eligible.
A-level students
preparing for their Form Six national examinations are also excepted to return
to school on June 1, however, more time will be needed for other secondary and
primary going students.
Magufuli
also announced that all sporting events will resume on June 1, encouraging that
people must remain physically fit.
As for the spectators,
he asked the Health Ministry and Sports Ministry to decide on what should be
done so that people continue observing social distancing during the transition.
President
Magufuli quoted literature saying that immunity improves when people come
together. “If someone is locked up in a house, his/her immunity will have
reduced by up to 30 percent by the time the person is free. (williamricedental.com) ”
He explained
that when people meet, they also build their immunities against various
diseases.
Magufuli
also announced they will begin to allow tourist flights into Tanzania starting May
27.
He stated
that there are organizations fully booked up to August and that this
opportunity cannot be missed.
Magufuli
said that the tourists will not be subjected to the 14-days quarantine but will
have their temperatures checked for anything unusual.
“We want
business to go on as planned,” President Magufuli said.
