Education minister not predicting large number of teachers stepping away due to vaccination

RIGA - It is not expected that a very large number of teachers will step away if the requirements for vaccination of teachers against Covid-19 come into force, Minister of Education and Science Anita Muizniece (New Conservative Party) admitted to Latvian Radio this morning

She emphasized that there is a turnover of teachers every year and that teachers choose to leave the profession for a variety of reasons.

The requirement for vaccination may be one such reason, but it is not expected to be the main reason for teachers stepping away.

More detailed data on the staff situation at schools will be available after September 5, when all schools will have entered their latest information in the State Education Information System.

As reported, employers will be authorized to dismiss employees who will not have obtained their Covid-19 certificates by September 15, the Cabinet of Ministers decided July 6. The government also agreed to make vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory for medics, social workers and teachers, among others.

These amendments must still be approved by Saeima.