Ministry of Education has stated schools will be reopened for the second term of the current academic year, based on the COVID-19 situation of the respective island or region.
In a circular sent to all schools, Ministry of Education noted the risk of COVID-19 has not yet been eliminated, despite efforts to return to a normal situation. Therefore, the ministry said schools will be permitted to reopen based on the health situation of the respective island or region.
As per the circular, islands with no COVID-19 cases can reopen schools from foundation stage until 12th grade. Islands under monitoring will be able to reopen schools based on the advice of Health Protection Agency (HPA), while schools in islands under lockdown will not be reopened yet.
The education ministry further stated students or staff at risk of COVID-19 shall not attend school. The information of any such student or staff must be shared with HPA for monitoring.
The ministry also reminded that all students and staff must wear face masks at all times in school. Students with asthma are provided an exception under this rule.
On July 1, the administration decided to reopen schools in islands without active COVID-19 cases after keeping it closed for over three months. Students of Grades 9 to 12 in Male' City also commenced studies on July 1 and the administration planned to resume classes for grades 7 to 8 by mid-August. However, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the education ministry closed the schools in the Greater Male’ Region again.
In September, the education ministry permitted students of grades 11 and 12 to physically attend the classes to prepare for their final examinations in October. Meanwhile, school sessions for grades 7 to 10 resumed in October.
Schools are currently in its term break, in the revised academic year.