Schools to remain closed if COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Oman: MOH official

Muscat: If the COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, schools will not be opened, the Undersecretary for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health has stated.

HE Dr. Mohammad Al Hosni, Undersecretary for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health (MOH) said, "If the numbers continue to rise, we will not be able to open schools. Additionally, health services are also directed to serve COVID-19 patients. If the numbers do not decrease, we will not be able to restore services to their previous status before the pandemic."

In this regard, HE Dr. Madiha Al Shaibani, Minister of Education said in the 15th press conference of the Supreme Committee, "The approved framework of reopening schools is flexible, if we need to shut down the schools, we will go for distance learning and learning through TV channels."

The Minister of Education confirmed, "There are committees for this purpose at the level of schools, governorates educational directories. The Ministry of Health will monitor the students' condition closely."

"The physical attendance of students in the classroom is subject to revaluation in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Supreme Committee," HE added.