Ivory Coast children head back to school after virus shutdown

Pupils wearing protective masks, talk in front of the Merlan school f Paillet, observing social distancing during the reopening of schools as lockdown is eased in Abidjan, Ivory Coast [Photo: Reuters]

Thousands of children in face masks flocked back to school in Ivory Coast on Monday after the country became one of the first in West Africa to restart lessons after a two-month coronavirus shutdown.

With a total of 2,376 cases and dozens of new infections each day, Ivory Coast has yet to contain the virus. But authorities are confident pupils can study together in safety after the introduction of extra hygiene measures.