The Prime Minister has directed the Minister of Education to look into restarting schools in non-infectious areas.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

PM Hun Sen has directed the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports to explore the reopening of schools in non-infectious areas with all provincial governors once the COVID-19 outbreak appears to be under control.

The Prime Minister urged the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, to meet with provincial and municipal governors to investigate the possibility of reopening schools – primary and secondary – in rural areas without risk of a virus outbreak, but health safety regulations must be strictly followed.

 

He went on to say that in metropolitan areas with low infection rates and vaccination, online learning can be continued, or both in-class with safety distance and online learning can be used. However, only online learning is permitted in high-risk locations, according to the Prime Minister.

 

“I propose that we think in a flexible manner and follow the real circumstances in each province where it is possible for schools to reopen or keep distance learning or a mix of in-class and online learning, otherwise our children and youth will lose their opportunity [to study],” he stated.

 

The Prime Minister also voiced hope about the country's socioeconomic recovery, stating that herd immunity in Phnom Penh and Kandal provinces is a favorable indicator for the resumption of socioeconomic activity, especially education.

 

As of Aug. 30, 1,518,488 children and youth aged 12 to 18 years old had received their first dose, accounting for 77.20 percent of the almost two-million target, while 304,519 had already received their second dose.

 

In the target population of 10 million adults, 9,175,478 people (91.75 percent) had received their first vaccination, with 8,153,574 being fully vaccinated.

 

610.428 booster doses have been given to frontline officials from all over the world.

 

Cambodia's total population of 16 million people has been vaccinated to the tune of 66.84 percent.

 

Students under the age of 12 who have not been vaccinated can also attend school, according to the PM.

 

He recommended a flexible approach, with each province's practice being followed.

 

It is vital to blend learning, both directly and online, where it is feasible to open, where it is not possible to open, implement distance learning, and where it is possible to learn in a variety of methods.