MoE absolves any teacher quarantined by ministry of health of responsibility

‘School holidays is suspension of studies, not disruption’

KUWAIT CITY, March 1: Ministry of Education has discharged the responsibilities of male and female teachers who are being quarantined by Ministry of Health as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus, stating, “We stand with Ministry of Health in all the measures it takes for ensuring the safety of citizens and residents. We will not interfere in that”, reports Al-Anba daily.

According to informed educational sources, Ministry of Education has informed all the educational districts that the current school holiday is a suspension of studies and not a disruption, as there is a difference between them. Suspension is possible to be compensated at any time or through extension, while disruption happens within a specific time while work is ongoing at that time.

The ministry asked the educational districts to prepare an integrated strategy regarding the curricula if the suspension of studies is extended with the preparation of awareness-raising activities upon the resumption of study. The sources affirmed the need to ensure the readiness of medical clinics in schools and provide the required supplies such as disinfectants, masks, and thermometers, as well as a permanent nurse in every school.

They said the school administrations have been intimated about the need to send an urgent letter to the Public Education Sector when there is any shortage of medical supplies for their students, and obtain them from Ministry of Health.

They explained that, in the event of doubt that an employee might have been infected with coronavirus, the concerned staff should be given sick leave to examine their health and carry out necessary check-ups. The employee should submit a letter from Ministry of Health explaining his medical condition along with the medical recommendation.

The sources stated that the educational districts have received instructions from Ministry of Education about the necessity to adhere strictly to work for the employees after suspending the fingerprint attendance system by signing on a register containing names of the employees when starting and ending work each day.

They highlighted the importance of sending a report concerning this aspect continuously to the concerned authorities in the ministry in order to take the usual measures according to the applicable laws and regulations in this regard.

The sources indicated the possibility for educational leaders to hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss and deliberate on the procedures and plan of the ministry concerning alternative education for curricula following the suspension of studies due to coronavirus.

It also includes the days of mass absence of students due to the cold wave that lasted three days as well as the three days prior to the National Day holidays