The Zambian government on Monday said it will reopen schools for examination classes following a reduction in COVID-19 cases in the southern African nation.

Schools for examination classes will reopen on Aug. 5, instead of the earlier announced Aug. 16, after being closed due to a spike in cases during the third wave.

A statement released by the Ministry of Health said the assessment of the evolution of the pandemic has provided critical information to guide the way forward in terms of the reopening of schools.

The statement however said the situation will closely be monitored.

“The decision to open the classes will enable exam classes to adequately prepare for their final examinations,” the statement said.

According to the statement, there was an urgent need for the classes to catch up on lost hours in order to cover up the syllabus, adding that extending the closure of schools will result in difficulties in managing the transition.

The statement however said casinos and nightclubs, as well as gymnasiums, will remain closed for the next 21 days while restaurants, bars and taverns will be operating on a take-away basis during the same period.

In the past 24 hours, the country recorded 197 new cases, bringing the cumulative cases to 196,490 while six people died during the same period, bringing the total deaths to 3,412.