Iraq Reopens Schools despite Surge in Coronavirus Pandemic

Iraq has reopened its schools amid a raging pandemic that has claimed more than 12,000 lives across the country.

While disclosing this on Sunday November 29, 2020, Iraqi education ministry stated that students will be attending school only one day per week according to a rotation system meant to prevent crowding and the spread of the new coronavirus.

It added that Schoolchildren are returning to socially-distanced classrooms and other safety measures will be announced.

“Iraq, like much of the rest of the world, has resorted to distance learning after schools closed in February due to the virus outbreak.

“But online education is out of reach for many in a country with poor infrastructure that has suffered decades of war,” the ministry said.

Iraq has the second-highest outbreak and number of deaths in the Middle East region after Iran, with more than 500,000 confirmed cases, according to Health Ministry figures.

Daily infection rates average 2,400 cases per day — a slower rate than in previous weeks — but health workers say the number may be higher as many Iraqis with symptoms choose to stay home and avoid hospitals to get tested.