Ministry of Education has instructed schools to begin preparations to reopen under new normal conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A circular signed by Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali and sent to all schools stated extensive discussions have been held in regards to reopening schools, adding preparations are now underway to reopen schools upon the advice of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and relevant authorities. The ministry said while a specific date to reopen schools is yet to be advised by the HPA, schools should begin preparations to reopen under the new normal conditions. The ministry said details of how the school sessions would run upon reopening would be finalised for each school individually, based on the student population and the situation of COVID-19 in the region.
Furthermore, the education ministry stated special measures must be imposed across all operations of the school in order to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff of the school. The ministry said it is currently working on providing the relevant safety information and instructions to schools.
The education ministry has formulated a guideline for schools to follow upon reopening. The guideline states any student or staff who carries a risk of COVID-19 cannot attend school. Schools are required to gather the necessary information to check if any student, staff or a family member of a student or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 or had been quarantined.
The guideline also states schools must coordinate with parents to ensure all students have face masks. All students and staff are required to wear masks at all times when inside the school, although exceptions can be made for children under the age of 2 or students who have asthma. The masks can be disposable masks or cloth masks.
The guideline further states seating arrangements in classes must ensure there is a distance of at least 3 feet between each student. Physical distancing measures must be imposed in all parts of the schools using marks and signs, while regular disinfection must take place in the schools.