Health Ministry will visit schools to check the facilities before clearance is given - Kumar

Minister for Education Premila Kumar has revealed that the Ministry of Health will visit schools to check the facilities before clearance is given for their re-opening.

Kumar says the COVID safe protocol have been finalised for re-opening of schools.

She says virtual training of heads of schools started yesterday so they can prepare by adhering to the health and safety measures.

Kumar adds masks are mandatory for students and must be worn indoors and in crowded spaces outdoors.

Kumar says they are also mindful that many students and teachers will need psycho-social support and the Ministry has been working with UNICEF and the Australian Government to provide refresher training for their 35 counselors.

The Minister is also urging heads of schools to use the time between now till 31st October to prepare the school environment and classrooms to welcome students.

Meanwhile, the school term for Years 12 and 13 is from 1st November 2021 to 28th January 2022.

Kumar confirms that examinations for Years 12 and 13 are scheduled to start on 17th January and the results are expected to be out by mid-March.

She adds this timing is based on the assumption that there will be no cyclones.