MONROVIA, LIBERIA – All learning institutions have been ordered closed for a week to prevent the spreading of the Coronavirus in Liberia.

The mandate was issued Monday, March 16, 2020 by the Ministry of Education in Monrovia.

The Communications Director at the Ministry, Maxim Blentan, said the abrupt closure of all institutions of learning is in furtherance of tracing the identities and locations of individuals who came in contact with Liberia’s first coronavirus patient.

Mr. Blentan, wants School Administrators adhere to the mandate aimed at saving the lives of every Liberian, especially students in academic schools and universities across the country.

He said, any school and university failing to adhere with the decision will be dealt with by the Education Ministry.

On Monday, Liberian Health Authorities confirmed the first case of the Coronavirus as being EPA Executive Director Nathaniel Blama upon his return from Switzerland last Friday.