Muscat, August 13 (ONA) - The Supreme Committee entrusted with undertaking measures to tackle developments resulting from Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic held a meeting this morning headed by His Excellency Sayyid Hammoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior - Chairman of the Committee, and in the presence of all its members, at the Ministry Education.

The committee examined the efforts made by the Ministry of Education to reopen schools for the 2020/2021 academic year in light of the continued spread of the Coronavirus (Covid 19). The committee reviewed the alternatives concluded by the Ministry after reviewing what was announced by the educational systems at the regional and international level, in addition to studying the frameworks issued by a number of international organizations. After coordination with the various concerned sectors in the Sultanate and community participation, and in the Committee’s concern for the safety of male and female students, teaching and administrative staff members, as well as other members of society, the following was decided:

The academic year for all male and female students begins on Sunday, November 1. 2020, and for the teaching members and the jobs associated with them, on Sunday, September 27, 2020, in order to achieve no less than 180 actual academic days, and the vacation of students, teachers, and associated jobs shall be aligned with this decision accordingly.

2. Adopting hybrid education for all schools: Students will go to school for some classes and will attend other classes through distance learning, in accordance with the controls and regulations to be issued by the Ministry of Education.

May Allah protect everyone from all harm.

(ONA)