Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools on July 1. The decision was announced by Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali during the daily press briefing held at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC).
Speaking at the press briefing, Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali said schools are being reopened in different phases, noting schools in the Greater Male' Region will be opened for key stages 4 and 5 in the first phase of reopening. The minister also noted schools in Male' City would be operating single sessions during the first phase of reopening. She added priority is given to ensure the safety and well-being of students upon reopening schools.
Speaking further, the education minister highlighted students have lost a key part of their life due to the extended closure of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic, noting schools are more than just a place for studies. The minister said schools also provide the environment where students establish social ties and acquire important life skills, while it also acts as a safe place for some students. Therefore, she said it is very important that schools reopen as soon as possible.
The minister also noted the effect the extended closure of schools is having on studies, especially for students in higher key stages. She added the ministry has been coordinating efforts to continue the learning process despite the closure, through teleclasses and google classrooms.
Minister Aishath Ali also highlighted a detailed guideline has been formulated and sent to schools, which describes the procedures to be followed in schools to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among students and staff. The minister also noted a COVID-19 response plan has been formulated, distributed into five main components which include safe administration of schools, facilitation of continued learning, identification of students in need of special assistance, building resilience and immunity against diseases and coordination of efforts to operate schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister added schools are currently in the process of gathering the required information of students and staff before reopening in July. As such, she said schools have been instructed to identify students and staff who have contracted COVID-19 as well as those with underlying health conditions which can cause serious complications upon contracting COVID-19, adding plans have been set to continue the studies of such students.
Speaking further, the education minister said all schools will have hand washing arrangements upon reopening. The minister added materials and equipment needed for disinfection are being supplied to the schools, while staff are being trained to provide instructions to the students on how to maintain hand hygiene.
The education minister expressed it is likely that many students could have psychological issues when they return to schools after nearly 4 months. She said the ministry is coordinating efforts to train teachers for the situation.
Minister Aishath Ali also assured the public that strict precautionary measures will be in place when schools reopen, in order to stay safe from COVID-19. In this regard, the minister noted students will undergo a temperature check before being allowed inside the school, while physical distancing will be ensured throughout all activities. As such, she noted classrooms which used to fit 30-32 students will now accommodate a maximum of 16 students. She also noted students are required to wear face masks at all times, as per the guidelines of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
The education minister revealed the breakfast programme has been suspended for now, and requested parents to provide a good breakfast for students before sending them to schools. She also urged students to bring their own bottle of water from home.