Iraqi schools reopen despite virus outbreak

Students in Baghd began classes on first day of acemic year on Sunday, Oct. 29, amid virus measures.

exact number of students who began classes is not known, due to spre of coronavirus.

At Dhat Al Salasil intermediate school for girls, in Sr City area of Baghd, teachers welcomed pupils as y streamed in school gates.

All students, teachers and school staff are required to wear facemasks and sterilise ir hands at gates.

number of students in each class was reduced to around 10 from upwards of 50 pupils, said school principal Batoul Ali Hussein.

coronavirus pandemic led to closure of all schools in Iraq in February, which affected around 10 million children nationwide.

Iraq's Ministry of Education has provided learning through an online platform and television, but focus has mostly been on students in higher gres sitting final exams.

Inevitably, this also favours those children with access to technology.

Reported coronavirus cases across Iraq continue on rise but at a slightly lower rate than in previous weeks.