Return to normal life, reopening of schools in Sep

Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah yesterday said life in Kuwait will go back to normal and all schools will reopen in September after some two million people are expected to be vaccinated, local media reported.

The Education Committee has agreed to work on a plan for the gradual return of students to schools by September.

A source revealed to the daily that the Ministry of Education submitted a comprehensive proposal to the government to reopen schools in April but health authorities rejected the plan due to the spike in cases and low percentage of vaccinated people.

Sheikh Basel said by the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan (around mid-May), the number of vaccinations will reach one million and double by September. He said all schools will reopen in September after the completion of a ministry plan to vaccinate all teaching staff. In addition, people working in cooperative societies, barbershops, salons and banks will also be vaccinated soon.

However, the Ministry of Education is seeking approval to allow high school students to conduct their exams in person, especially 12th grade students.

The source pointed out that there is coordination between the Ministry of Health and the respective sectors to come up with an integrated plan for the gradual return of students, as well as taking into consideration the safety of learners and teachers.