The Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) on Wednesday stated that the current environment in Maldives is safe to reopen schools for additional grades if precautionary measures are effectively implemented.
HEOC’s Spokesperson, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said some school staffers and students tested positive for COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. However, no students who are currently attending school have tested positive thus far, said Dr. Nazla. Out of the school contacts of staffers that tested positive for the virus, only some among those who did not use masks or take precautionary measures when outside the school tested positive, said Dr. Nazla.
The Education Ministry has announced that studies will resume for grades 7 and 8 after the Eid holidays in August. While new grades will resume studies starting next month, the school environment will be safe if the current precautionary measures are adequately practiced, said the doctor. Protection against the virus is ensured this way even in the event that positive person attends school, she added.
“Together with the Education Ministry, we have made arrangements at schools as per international guidelines and best practices to ensure that the infection is not spread within the school via those who have tested positive. The [ schools will remain safe] If we can follow the same practices in future,” said Dr. Nazla.
