The new Academic Year has begun today.

Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Ahmed Ali told One Online that the schools at where the islands are under monitoring are teaching online but today but all the schools in the country are resuming classes today.

He said that this Academic Year begins with over 92,000 students.

Currently, there are 14 islands under monitoring due to the presence of COVID-19. Permanent Secretary Ali said that the respective taskforces of the islands may choose to start classes at the schools under the advisement of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) based on the number of COVID-19 cases present.

While the schools have been prepared to welcome the students back, Education Minister, Dr. Aishath Ali said that even at the current situation, schools are safe for students and advised parents to send their children to school. She said that this is a new beginning and welcomed students to a new Academic Year.

Education Ministry and the HPA has ordered that all staff of every school along with students who qualify to vaccinate before 1 September. Education Ministry has said that teachers, students and parents that does not get the COVID-19 vaccine will not be allowed to enter the schools.