Saudi Arabia postpones in-person classes for students under 12

JEDDAH: In a bid to ensure the safety of students and their families in the kingdom, Saudi Arabia has postponed the resumption of in-person classes for students under the age of 12 which were scheduled to begin on October 31.

The spokesman of the Public Education on Tuesday said that the students will continue to be taught remotely until the completion of scientific studies related to the epidemiological risks of this category.

"The in-person classes for students of elementary schools and kindergartens, scheduled to begin on Oct. 31, has been postponed until the completion of scientific studies related to the epidemiological risks of this category so as to ensure their safety as well as the safety of their families," Arab News quoted him as saying.

The spokesman said that the Ministry of Education will continue its efforts to offer virtual learning to the age group through 'Madrasati' (online platform) for the elementary level and 'Rawdaty' for the preschool level.

He said that there has been an integration of efforts between the ministries of education and health to continue regular in-person classes for those students who received two doses of vaccine against coronavirus in the intermediate and secondary phases of public education.

Earlier in August, the Ministry of Education, in accordance with regulations issued by the Health Ministry had announced that fully vaccinated students over the age of 12 would return to classrooms. Those who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be taught remotely, with classwork uploaded to the ministry-approved Madrasati platform.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported 49 new COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom and two related deaths.

The latest figures put the total number of cases so far recorded in the country at 548,018 and the overall death toll at 8,767.

Health officials said there were currently 2,214 active cases, of which 90 patients were in a serious or critical condition.