Schools in the Greater Malé Region are to remain closed for two more weeks, revealed the Ministry of Education.

As such, the ministry revealed via Twitter that online classes will proceed from September 6 – 17 due to the current situation revolving around the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision was reached following consultation with relevant health authorities such as the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and comes amid an alarming increase in Covid-19 cases in the island nation of recent.

Although schools in the region were be reopened on August 9, the decision was reversed earlier and schools were to remain closed until August 19.

All schools and educational institutions were closed across the Maldives due to the pandemic, however, schools were reopened across islands free of Covid-19, with the exemption of the capital region on July 1, under the third phase of the lockdown ease plan. Physical classes are currently only being held for grades 11 to 12 who are exempt from online classes.

The ministry earlier noted that they will always prioritize the health and safety of students and that they believe it is in the best interest of students to remain at home with their families, during this time of crisis.

Students, parents, guardians and teachers have been urged to pay special heed to hygiene practices as well as the instructions provided by the HPA and other relevant authorities.