Consult paediatricians prior to reopening schools: PM advises Edu.Authorities

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa advised the education authorities to seek advice from Paediatricians before reopening of schools that are closed due to the COVID-19.

The advice was given during a meeting on vaccinating school teachers and children held yesterday at the President's Secretariat.

The Prime Minister pointed out that as soon as the pandemic situation is controlled, it is essential to reopen schools in many stages and said relevant vaccines could be obtained through the Health Ministry.

Education Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera said with the reopening of schools, it is paramount to the vaccinate the schoolchildren giving priority to grades 11 to 13.

It is important to vaccinate nearly 300,000 people, including 279,000 teachers and non academic staffers to make the drive successful, Prof. Perera said.

A timetable should be prepared to bring teachers and children through a safe method and special attention should be drawn to following safety measures when transporting school children, the Prime Minister added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)