For balance between the right to education and right to life, the authorities will have to consider public health, the benefits and risks for education and other factors.
The critical factors that should be put under consideration include the best interest of the learners and staff and overall public health considerations as informed by assessment of the associated benefits and risks, and cross-sectional and context-specific evidence - including education, public health and socio-economic factors.
Education authorities in liaison with the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies will be obligated to ensure enhanced support and flexibility to teachers and lecturers, and non-teaching staff, especially in remote areas or marginalised communities, to ensure that disadvantaged learners do not miss out on quality education.
Due to the evolving situation and the mutating signs of the coronavirus, testing the learners and staff for the virus will be necessary, with those found sick quarantined at home or at a health facility until full recovery.
The Health ministry should set up treatment facilities in the institutions to handle arising cases and ensure that health services are readily available to learners and staff at all times.