Sharjah24 – AFP: Venezuela on Monday (October 25) reopened public schools and universities which serve more than 11 million students, after a long closure amid the coronavirus pandemic, though some schools remain closed due to repairs or lack of staff.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro has delayed the restart of in-person classes several times, amid new peaks in infections and vaccination delays.

Youth Minister Mervin Maldonado said 8.7 million children would return to classrooms across the country and some 3.1 million students would attend universities.

Children dressed in uniforms of blue pants, red shirts and face masks filed into schools in capital Caracas from 7 am local time, with teachers dispensing antibacterial gel.

Those age 12 and up in Venezuela are now eligible for their first coronavirus vaccine dose.

The government says 56% of the 28.7 million-strong population has been vaccinated, though the Pan-American Health Organization says just 21.6% are fully protected.