The Minister of Education Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf briefs the return to school plans for students starting from the next academic session.

In a press briefing after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, August 11th, Minister said that the school will be divided into two groups and each group will attend the classroom studies on alternative days.

The academic session will start from October 3rd. Foreign schools will be allowed to offer online classes before this date.

The maximum capacity for any classroom will be 20 students, with students sitting two meters apart. A strict mask mandate for students will be enforced, Minister said.

Weekly PCR test is required for students and staff who choose not to get vaccinated. This is applicable for students of 12 years and above. Minister calls on all students to get vaccinated, specially those who don't have any health complications.

Primary classes will be from 7.30 am to 1:00 pm. For intermediate level, the timing will be from 7:30 am to 2:05 pm. Practical and technical subjects will be postponed to the second semester. Students are prohibited from gathering in any form, while all group activities are banned.

The plan will be evaluated after a month of school opening to decide the next step, Minister said.