THE government has said the re-opening of schools will be at an “appropriate time” and will be determined by the progress being made in fighting the deadly COVID-19 disease.

In his address during the launch of the Mashonaland East provincial chapter of the COVID-19 schools response plan held at Chinyika High School in Goromonzi early this week, Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema said the opening of schools could only be determined by the progress made in fighting COVID-19.

“Government desires to open schools when the time is appropriate.

“We are engaging stakeholders in the education sector for input on the re-opening of schools.

Meanwhile, government has encouraged schools to become innovative and produce their own PPE like masks and sanitisers.