Covid-19: schools to remain closed for two more weeks

The Ministry of Education has revealed that schools in the Greater Malé Region are to remain closed for two more weeks.

The ministry revealed this via a Twitter post, adding that online classes will proceed from September 20 to October 1 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 came amid an alarming increase in Covid-19 cases in the island nation during August. Cases have observably been decreasing during September, as such, the daily rise has been below 100 cases for weeks now.

Although schools in the region were to be reopened on August 9, the decision was reversed earlier and the period has been extended several times round.

Since August 4, schools have been conducting online classes for students so that they do not miss out on lessons despite not being able to attend school.

The decision will be reversed if any improvements are seen in the daily rise of Covid-19 cases, after two weeks.

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.