The government has announced that all Maldives schools and educational institutes will remain closed for an additional week.
The government previously extended the mid-term holidays by one week due to COVID-19 fears, and schools were expected to reopen on March 22. However, after more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the Maldives, the State of Public Health Emergency was declared for a period of 30 days. On Monday, it was announced that school re-opening has been delayed by an additional week. The revised date for school re-opening is now March 29.
Although schools are to remain closed, lessons are being delivered to students via online platforms. This week, a TV program was launched to deliver school lessons to tenth graders who will be sitting the O' level exams this year. The lessons will be aired via Youtube and on state TV Channel PSM and YES TV.
The Education Ministry is currently making preparations to begin online schooling for lower grades. The ministry is compiling a list of students who do not have access to TV or the internet.
13 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives thus far. All are foreigners and no locals have been infected to date.
