Universities in Tanzania reopened on Monday, despite a lack of clarity on the spread of coronavirus after the government decided to stop updating figures in April.
As students entered dozens of campuses across Tanzania for the first time since mid-March, there were only cursory efforts to impose measures preventing the spread of COVID-19.
New hand-washing stations were spottily used while crowded lecture halls made a mockery of social distancing, leaving some students concerned.
“My parents were not happy to allow me back to the college, but there’s no way since it’s the government order to resume classes,” said Christopher Andrew, one of around 6,000 students at Dar es Salaam University College of Education.
In one lecture hall, a teacher admonished students after most removed their masks as they sat down.
“Next time, if you don’t wear a mask you will not get access to my class,” the lecturer warned.
