The Education Ministry has postponed the reopening of schools, in response to the advice of the Medical Advisory Committee for confronting Covid-19 to cancel classes set to start next Saturday for several education levels, including the junior certificate stage.

According to the Minister of Education, Mohamed Ammari Zayed, the classes will be delayed to reassess the epidemiological situation, adding that  he would communicate with the Minister of Local Government to issue a circular to the mayors of municipalities, asking them not to take any decision to suspend classes, except after referring to the Ministry of Education.

It will reminded that the Tripoli Teachers Union has expressed rejection and concern over the Education Ministry’s decision to reopen schools as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the country.

In a statement on Facebook, the union argued that the ministry’s decision was either appropriate or practicable, as the move was taken in lack of resources on the part of the State, and the ministry’s failure to abide by its pledges.

“Schools opened their doors in the absence of adequate support in terms of cleaning materials, water, masks, and sterilizers,” the union said, noting that sterilizing supplies were provided in limited quantities to students only, while risks to educators are being dismissed.

The statement also indicated that some of the temperature assessment devices distributed by the ministry do not work. Another concern is that there are no plans or a mechanism for applying physical distancing.

“The few schools that support the decision to restart classes is due to the fact that they are not significantly dependent on the State for financial support,” the union added.