The Minister of Education, Anna Nghipondoka today announced that after consultations with various stakeholders it was decided to open schools later than initially scheduled. She said the ministry is cognizant of the current situation in the country with the increased numbers of COVID-19 infections and the impact this has nationally. "Considering the various regulations issued by the Ministry of Health regarding physical distancing, wearing of masks and sanitizing, the Ministry of Education has put various mechanisms in place to ensure implementation in schools and school preparedness," read a statement from the ministry. Schools are expected to communicate to parents as to what teaching and learning mode they will use. Teachers will now return on 14 January and learners, pre-primary to Grade 11, will return on 26 January. Advanced subsidiary learners will return on 16 February.