Reopen HCMC schools in low, medium Covid risk areas: proposal

In-person classes should be resumed in areas considered as having low and medium coronavirus risks. Non-public schools may also allow boarding, semi-boarding and transport students around by bus if they can ensure safety, the department said.

Schools must satisfy safety criteria, including social distancing. They must also be prepared to switch to online classes should the situation worsen.

In areas with low or medium coronavirus risks, universities may also hold in-person classes if Covid-19 safety criteria are met and all students and teachers have been fully vaccinated.

In areas with high coronavirus risks, schools would hold both in-person and online classes. Students of 1st, 2nd, 6th, 9th and 12th grade would be prioritized for in-person classes, though exact plans would be decided by local authorities, the proposal said.

Universities can also hold in-person classes, but they must be held at different times and social distancing must be ensured.

In areas with very high coronavirus risks, the municipal Department of Education and Training requested online classes and televised lessons be used instead.

Areas with low risks in HCMC are Thu Duc City, Go Vap, Tan Binh, 1, 7, 8, 10, Can Gio and Cu Chi districts. Areas with medium risks are Phu Nhuan, Binh Thanh, Tan Phu, Hoc Mon, Nha Be, Binh Chanh, and districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12. Binh Tan District is the only one considered as having high risks.

The department has yet to suggest an exact date for schools to reopen.