Saudi Arabia: Return to classes linked to safety from COVID-19

Cairo: Saudi authorities have ruled out students’ imminent return to classes, linking attendance to safety from COVID-19.

The kingdom has been relying on distance learning since the start of the school year last August as part of precautions against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Education Ministry has said that in-person schooling will not be reinstated until students’ safety is ensured, Saudi news portal Sabq reported.

The ministry added that remote education will be made use of even after the pandemic is over.

Earlier this week, millions of students in the kingdom began their second semester online after authorities announced extending the distance learning system for school and university students for at least 10 weeks.

Spokesman for the Education Ministry Ibtisam Al Shehri said that the ministry is evaluating the situation after the end of the 10 weeks to protect students’ safety.

“We shoulder responsibility for health of students and employees as well as the for continuation of the education process,” she added.

Saudi authorities have said that teachers are among the priority groups in receiving vaccinations against COVID-19 that started last month.

According to the Saudi remote education system, lessons are explained via the Madrasty platform and a set of television and YouTube channels as well as an education portal linked to the Education Ministry.

Last week, the Education Ministry said that a royal decree has been issued to continue the distance education at all levels of public and university education in line with a mechanism followed since the start of the current school year to protect students’ health.