Schools resume classes in Congo’s Ebola epicenter despite concerns from parents and teachers

BUNIA, Congo -- A new academic year began across Congo on Tuesday despite concerns by parents and teachers that the country's Ebola outbreak still poses risks to children in the epicenter.The resumption of classes comes in the middle of a ravaging disease outbreak that is spreading rapidly. According to the latest government data, 2,950 people have been killed by the virus since mid-May among 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday.The union representing teachers in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, had called for a delay in restarting classes, but the government pressed ahead. Some schools in Ituri, especially those owned by the government, recorded low turnouts. Authorities in Ituri did not respond to a request for comment on measures to ensure a lack of transmission in classrooms. Aimerance Vahweka, a parent in the Bunia, the capital of Ituri, said the school restart came as a surprise and she is keeping her child at home for now. “I do not really see an increase in prevention measures,” she said.Other education officials said they are equipping schools with noncontact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers and hand-washing basins.“We also raise student awareness about ...