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Cabinet officials

Cyprus to Reopen Primary Schools and Gymnasiums Following COVID-19 Relaxation Strategy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Minister of Education, Prodromos Prodromou, announced the reopening of primary schools and gymnasiums in Cyprus on May 21, as part of the country's strategy to gradually relax measures imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision comes after a 3.5-hour meeting with the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Health Ministry's advisory group. The reopening plan is divided into two phases, with the first group of pupils returning to school on Thursday, May 21, and the second group on Friday. From May 25 onwards, the two groups will alternate on a weekly basis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first group of pupils will return to primary schools and gymnasiums on Thursday, May 21, and the second group on Friday.
  • From May 25 onwards, the two groups will alternate on a weekly basis.
  • Pre-primary education schools and kindergartens will not reopen at this stage.
  • E-learning will continue for pupils in the 1st and 2nd grade of Lyceum and the 1st and 2nd year of Technical Schools.
  • Diagnostic tests will be intensified in primary and gymnasiums, and will continue in Lyceums, to monitor the situation after schools reopen.
  • Decisions to reopen schools were based on current epidemiological data, the experience of other countries, and the results of diagnostic tests among children.
  • Pupils in the 3rd grade of Lyceum and the 3rd year of Technical Schools, who have already returned, will continue with their studies.

Statistics:

  • 3.5 hours: duration of the meeting held at the Presidential Palace on Friday.
  • May 21: date of the first group of pupils returning to primary schools and gymnasiums.
  • May 25: date from which the two groups of pupils will alternate on a weekly basis.
  • 2 groups: the division of pupils returning to school in two phases.
  • 1st and 2nd grade of Lyceum: classes where e-learning will continue.
  • 1st and 2nd year of Technical Schools: classes where e-learning will continue.
  • 3rd grade of Lyceum: class that has already returned to school and will continue with studies.
  • 3rd year of Technical Schools: year group that has already returned to school and will continue with studies.

Sources:

  • [Prodromos Prodromou, Minister of Education]
  • [Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus]
  • [Health Ministry's advisory group]

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