A press conference by the Association of Parents for University of Malawi (Unima) has called on the government to consider partial re-opening of schools to allow students in their final years to complete their studies.

“Fourth year Chancellor College students had two months to complete their studies. If these students are recalled it means there will be only few at the campus.” said Chairperson of the association Paul Chikwekwe, who also called for a partial reopening for Standard Eight and Form Four learners to go back to school while observing Covid-19 precautionary measures.

The request comes amidst 41 coronavirus cases in the country, as the government has strongly urged employees to work from home while schools were closed, fearing the spread of the virus at campuses. On the other hand, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Justin Saidi that it is difficult to implement social distancing if the schools were to open. Meanwhile, as stakeholders are criticizing the government for not taking the pandemic seriously, it has been noted that some citizens are not taking the pandemic seriously as well also, as some do not believe the pandemic is real.