Minister of Education Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf announced on Wednesday the new scholastic year (2021-2022) would kick start for all teaching levels as of October 3.

Speaking at a news conference after a cabinet session, minister Al-Mudhaf stated that according to regulatory measures with respect of opening schools in light of the coronavirus pandemic, teaching and administrative personnel in kindergartens, at elementary and intermediate levels would begin work as of September 19.

Those working for high school classes will begin work from September 26, the minister added.

On the plan to bring back in-person learning at schools nationwide, which has been held in abeyance for more than a year, he said it aims to ensure conditions that would not undermine the safety of students.

Health precautions against the spread of COVID will be strictly observed, the minister emphasized, saying that desks would be spread apart in a manner that ensures social distancing, while a strict mask mandate for students will be enforced.

Discussing the intricacies of the plan, the minister revealed that students would be divided into two groups that would attend class on alternate days, while unvaccinated students and staff are required to undergo a PCR test on a weekly basis.

Students are prohibited from gathering in any form, while all group activities will be banned, he underlined

Source: Kuwait News Agency