Education Ministry has decided to reopen schools on 1 July, in islands with zero reported cases of COVID-19.

Speaking at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) press conference tonight, Education Minister, Dr. Aishath Ali said that the decision to reopen schools on 1 July was made after discussions with the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

She said that the with the lock down ease coming in phases, preparations are underway to reopen the schools from Grade 1 and above at the islands that have no COVID-19 cases.

The Education Minister said that reopening schools are very important and because children had to staying home for the past three months, they have missed out on a lot.

Dr. Aishath Ali said that schools are not just for academics but a place where students meet their friends and improve their social skills among others and it is a safe place for all of it.

She said that the plan was to continue classes as if they were in school during the lock down as well but those efforts were not successful.