Nghe An students are expected to return to school from February 17.

Today, the Department of Education and Training has just issued instructions on preparations to welcome students back to school after a break to prevent and control the acute respiratory disease caused by the new strain of Corona virus (Covid-19).

Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and based on the actual conditions of the Covid-19 epidemic situation in Nghe An, the Department of Education and Training will coordinate with the Department of Health, planning to advise the Provincial People's Committee to allow students in the whole province to return to school, starting from Monday, February 17, 2020.

On the first day off, Huynh Thuc Khang High School organized disinfection spraying throughout the school. Photo: MH

Before the study is stabilized again, the Department of Education and Training requires schools in the province to regularly update and provide daily information on the epidemic. Closely coordinate with the health sector and local authorities to implement epidemic prevention and control activities in educational institutions. Strengthen communication, supervision and monitoring of students' health status. Early detection of suspected cases of the disease, reporting to management agencies and local health agencies for timely handling measures.

Besides, it is necessary to concentrate resources and proactively organize spraying disinfectants in school areas, disinfecting classrooms, teaching equipment, and children's toys.

Nguyen Duy Trinh High School (Nghi Loc) has increased visual communication to raise students' awareness of the epidemic. Photo: MH

Fully prepare essential facilities to ensure the prevention and control of Covid-19 epidemic in particular and winter-spring epidemics in general.

At the same time, based on the actual situation in the locality, develop a reasonable plan for remedial learning and teaching for students according to the principle of ensuring full implementation of the prescribed educational program.

Previously, according to the Ministry of Health's recommendation, localities without epidemics can allow students to return to school after disinfecting classrooms, cleaning desks and chairs, and ensuring disease prevention conditions for students.

In Nghe An, discussing this issue, Mr. Dao Cong Loi - Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training said: Currently, through reports from schools, most high schools in the province have disinfected the entire classroom area and school campus. In addition, some schools in the central and town areas have also completed disinfection.

However, in many other schools in rural and mountainous areas, disinfection is still difficult and largely depends on support from the province. Therefore, according to the viewpoint of the two sectors, students will return to school as normal after all schools are sprayed and disinfected, and try to complete it by the end of this week. If the progress is slow, school may be delayed by 1 or 2 days.

The industry has also considered the possibility of a patient testing positive for Covid-19. In that case, quarantine will be implemented and local school closures may be imposed in schools with outbreaks, so as not to affect the general situation. The school and the industry will also be responsible for organizing make-up classes for these cases to ensure the rights of students.