Schools reopen in Congo’s Ebola epicenter despite concerns from parents and teachers

A new academic year began Tuesday across Congo despite concerns by parents and teachers that the ongoing Ebola outbreak poses risks to children in the epicenter.

The resumption of classes comes in the middle of the fastest-growing outbreak of the disease ever, with 2,950 people killed among the 6,100 cases confirmed so far since mid-May.

The union representing teachers in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, had called for a delay in restarting classes, but the government pressed ahead. UNICEF said it is supporting the authorities to prevent transmissions in schools.

Some schools in Ituri, especially those owned by the government, recorded low turnouts. Authorities in Ituri did not respond to a request for comment on measures to ensure a lack of transmission in classrooms.

Aimerance Vahweka, a parent in the Bunia, the capital of Ituri, said the school restart came as a surprise and she is keeping her child at home for now.

“I do not really see an increase in prevention measures,” she said.

Other education officials said they are equipping schools with noncontact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers and hand-washing basins.

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