Secondary and high schools in Phnom Penh are getting ready to reopen.

The Phnom Penh Administration cleaned and disinfected 68 public schools yesterday as part of the preparations to reopen secondary and high schools, while private educational institutions were disinfected two days earlier.

Following the protracted closure of public and private schools, it was imperative that the entire buildings be cleaned and disinfected as part of the Covid-19 mitigation efforts to safeguard school employees and pupils.

Hem Sinareth, head of the Phnom Penh Municipal Department of Education, told Khmer Times yesterday that the schools needed to be completely cleaned and disinfected because some of them were utilized as Covid-19 treatment centers and for the immunization program.

“The majority of the schools will be ready to open on September 15,” he added. “However, some of the schools will be reopened in stages since they must fully conform with Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures, including sanitation, hygiene, and disinfection.”

Governor of Phnom Penh Khuong Sreng stated that all schools must carefully follow the SOP or they would not be allowed to reopen, as the safety of teachers, staff, and students is their first priority, as is the Phnom Penh Administration's.

Before reopening the schools, all school administrators must acquire permission from the relevant authorities, according to Sreng.

When schools reopen on September 15, Kandal Provincial Governor Kong Sophon has called on all necessary authorities to ensure that all classrooms and the entire school premises are completely cleaned and disinfected.

He stated that 95 of the province's 101 secondary schools will reopen.

Meanwhile, the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration permitted five schools in five districts to reopen Wednesday, with a focus on Grades 9 to 12, with 22 classes, 53 teachers, 195 Grade 12 students, and 248 Grade 9 students.

Before attending courses at Hun Sen Mittapheap Secondary School in Buon commune, Sihanoukville, all students have to take the Covid-19 fast test.