ALGIERS, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed on Sunday that the decision to open schools depends on the COVID-19 situation in the country, official APS news agency reported.
Tebboune told local media Sunday night that he will not make the decision to open schools for the 2020-2021 school year without consultation with medical experts and the scientific committee monitoring the spread of COVID-19.
He said some European countries resumed classes and were forced to close schools after finding that children were exposed to coronavirus contamination.
He stressed that the Algerian government puts "protection of citizens" at first place.
Algeria on Sunday reported 203 new COVID-19 cases and seven new fatalities, bringing the total infections to 49,826 and the death toll to 1,672, said the Ministry of Health in a statement.
Meanwhile, 124 more patients were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 35,047.
Algeria has been resuming economic and commercial activities since June 7 as part of its efforts to return to normal life.
On Feb. 25, Algeria recorded its first infection with COVID-19. The government announced the closure of all educational establishments from March 12. Enditem
