Education Minister urges students to get vaccinated as Years 12 and 13 students return to school tomorrow

Education Minister Premila Kumar says although vaccination for students is not mandatory, they are urging students who are not vaccinated to please get vaccinated for their safety and for the safety of others.

As Years 12 and 13 students return to school from tomorrow, Kumar says vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19 and we have obtained 80% national vaccination target well before the anticipated date which has enabled them to get students back to school safely.

Kumar has thanked students for coming out in numbers for vaccination.

She says the Ministry of Education has worked closely with the Ministry of Health to make the school environment safe.

Kumar adds a COVID Safe protocol is now in place, which must be complied with by students, teachers, and ancillary staff.

The Ministry of Health will be visiting schools on a regular basis to ensure COVID Safe School Reopening Guideline is being followed.

As of Friday, 17,346 students are fully vaccinated while 31,692 students have received their first dose.