The call comes following a full reopening of school in the country.

Chief Child Development Officer in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Pauline Simwaka told Zodiak on Wednesday that those with little space have been advised to open for five olds only as they prepare them to enroll for standard one in January 2021.

“It is our plea to managers of all ECD centers to observe all COVID-19 preventive measures minus asking children to put on face masks as health wise, face masks are not recommended in minors,” said Simwaka.

She said only 390 caregivers have been trained on COVID-19 prevention, the figure she admits is too small.

Meanwhile, Zodiak has established that in some districts like Mulanje and Phalombe, the ECD centres have not been re-opened as preparatory meetings on re-opening of the centers amidst the pandemic are still under way.

“Currently we are disseminating COVID-19 prevention messages to care givers and if all goes well, the centers will be re-opened next week,” said Isaac Lakudzala, the District Social Welfare Officer for Phalombe.