This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On Monday, children across Tanzania headed back to school, marking the end of a three-month lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tanzania has become the first East African country to reopen schools, following the reopening of universities and other higher learning institutions earlier.
Children wearing neat uniforms and face masks were seen jostling to get into public transport in the country's commercial capital and the port city of Dar es Salaam.
"I am very happy to go back to school, the facial mask I am wearing will protect me the whole day," said Juma Maulid, a grade seven student at Ununio Primary School.
According to the US-based Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre, Tanzania has reported 509 COVID-19 cases with 21 deaths, while 183 people have recovered, leaving 305 active cases.
However, the country stopped releasing COVID-19 related statistics from April 29, drawing widespread local and international criticism.
President John Magufuli ordered the reopening of schools across the country, claiming that the situation has improved and the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly waning.
He also allowed social activities, including wedding ceremonies, and dissolved the parliament two weeks ago, paving the way for elections scheduled in October.
