Covid-19: Mozambican opposition criticises decision to gradually reopen schools

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Covid-19: Mozambican opposition criticises decision to gradually reopen schools

3:25 CAT | 30 Jun 2020

Students in a classroom in Chimoio, Manica province. [File photo: DW]

In Mozambique, the decision to gradually resume classes is generating controversy. The opposition claims it is inappropriate, especially in primary education, and will increase children’s exposure to the disease.

The Mozambican parliament this Monday (29.06) ratified the presidential decree extending, as part of coronavirus prevention measures, the country’s state of emergency for a further 30 days from Tuesday (30/06).

The main reasons for the extension of the state of emergency for the third consecutive month are the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the country and the fact that Maputo province and Maputo city are in danger of moving to a community transmission scenario, as already have the provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado in the north.

Official data released this Monday (29/06) point to a total of 883 cases of Covid-19, six fatalities and 229 recoveries.

The presidential decree maintains Level 3 measures, but with the gradual easing of some restrictions.

Those who fail to comply will be guilty of disobedience punishable by three to 15 days in prison, convertible to a fine or community work.

Opposition criticism

Testnampula.dw_ — *A coronavirus testing booth in Nampula, northern Mozambique*

One of the new measures envisaged in the extended state of emergency is the gradual resumption of classes, a move contested by the opposition, which claims that the conditions for reopening schools are not present.

“Our greatest concern is with children and teenagers in primary and secondary education who, who have no discernment and autonomy in deciding their lives, but will be driven into a very high-risk situation,” Renamo deputy Clementina Francisco Bomba says.

Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Helena Kida, says that the measure will only be implemented where conditions permit.

The largest opposition party, Renamo, also accuses the government of human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, violation of press freedom and disproportionate police action during the implementation of the state of emergency, and has called for measures to protect small and medium-sized businesses, and the informal and family sectors.

MDM deputy Lutero Simango stressed that Covid-19 has changed the assumptions of the economic and social plan and the budget for this year, and that “it is only sensible that there is a review and updating of these instruments”.

Frelimo deputy Lucinda Malema said that the ratification of the state of emergency would prevent the emergence of more foci of community transmission.

Need for massification of awareness messages

Project manager of the Institute for Multiparty Democracy, Osman Cossing, says that “it cannot be thought that these mitigation measures will imply a reduction in cases, but they may prevent this spread from having very alarming trends and even from inter-provincial transmission.”

“In order to guarantee some control in the health sector, we have to continue spreading awareness regarding compliance with state of emergency measures such as the use of masks, personal distancing, hand hygiene, staying at home whenever necessary, mass testing to keep track of spread levels and the monitoring of people in quarantine,” Cossing adds.

Cossing points out that companies will increase their workforce and international flights will be resumed to some countries in order to respond to the need for specialists, managers and investors interested in boosting tourism and business.

What do Mozambicans think of the state of emergency extension?

Maputo residents interviewed by DW Africa believe that the extension of the state of emergency was expected.

Osvaldo Lourenço Zunguza says that “the president did well. There is no alternative. All [he] could do was only extend for another 30 days, because we are in a bad situation”.

Cristina Tomás agrees. “We see in the news that the coronavirus is spreading day after day, so I think it was the right decision,” she says

Alberto Alexandre also applauds the decision. “I agree that it is necessary. As long as the number of infections keeps rising, we have to be very careful.”

Source: Deutsche Welle