Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated the administration will decide to close the schools again should the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Ameen said the administration will revise the decision to open schooling for lower grades by mid-August. He added the decision cannot be implemented if the current trend continues in the coming weeks.
The administration decided to reopen schools in islands without active COVID-19 cases after keeping it closed for over three months. Students of Grades 9 to 12 in Male' City also commenced studies on July 1 and the administration planned to resume classes for grades 7 to 8 by mid-August. However, the recent few weeks saw a significant increase of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Minister Ameen said the decisions are continuously revised after reviewing projections and number of cases reported in the country. He said the ministry will discuss its observations with the Ministry of Education regarding the decision to close schools. He said the schools have been following guidelines thus far and schools have reported far less contacts as compared to other locations.
The education ministry has instructed schools to ensure social distancing and daily temperature checks in schools with the decision to restart schooling in the country.