Education Minister, Anna Nghipondoka said the national lockdown also applies to teachers. She, however, emphasised that holiday mode is over. She said, while more than 30 000 teachers must remain where they are they must remain duty-bound. “If they are allowed to go back to schools now the country will have a huge number of people travelling,” she said. Nghipondoka emphasised that Namibia’s more than 800 000 learners will remain home until its safe to go back to school. The minister said it will be difficult to adhere to COVID-19 regulations with learners at schools. She said, contrary to public opinion, online learning will not be starting afresh. We are enhancing Notesmaster, which is processing material that already exists. The material is based on the old curriculum but it will be incorporated into the revised curriculum and increase the coverage of subjects. The ministry will identify material development hubs, where teachers, directors and principals will come together to put the material together, download and print it for packages. She emphasised that no child will be left out. The ministry has also initiated the printing of learning packages for primary school learners to be delivered to parents who will teach their children from homes. Teachers will be able to share information and plan lessons on the Kopano application. In terms of school preparedness, Nghipondoka said teachers are expected to be physically at schools on 6 May if the lockdown is not extended. Learners returning to school will depend on the Health Ministry. “The ministry is scratching for funds to deal with the problems, which are sanitation, availability of running water and ablution facilities. It has also involved the respected unions to help them deal with the situation at hand,” she said. Nghipondoka was speaking at the COVID-19 Communication Centre this morning.