HCMC proposes to reopen kindergartens, primary schools from Feb 14

With the coronavirus situation under control in HCMC, widespread vaccination coverage for people aged 12 and above and the fact the southern city is now designated at low coronavirus risk, the resumption of more in-person classes are justified, the municipal Department of Education and Training stated.

"As kindergarteners, primary school students and 6th graders, except for those in Thanh An Commune, Can Gio District, have not been able to attend school for over half a year, parents have found it difficult to work and take care of their kids at the same time. Staying home for too long also presents health and mental challenges for children," the department explained.

Starting Feb. 7, schools would prepare to welcome kindergarteners and students back to class. From Feb. 10 to 12, students and parents would convene with schools to deploy coronavirus prevention measures, among other tasks. Starting Feb. 14, classes would resume, according to the department’s proposal.

Whether the kids would return to school or not would depend on their parents. Schools, except for kindergartens, would still conduct online classes for those who are not yet comfortable with in-person classes.

So far, only around 600,000 out of 1.74 million kindergarteners and students in HCMC have returned to school.

As of Jan. 7, schools have recorded around 130 Covid-19 cases among staff and students.