Vaccination against Covid-19 is main principle in achieving resumption of face to face learning in the autumn - Muizniece

  • 2021-06-16
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - Vaccination against Covid-19 is the main basic principle of getting students and teachers back to face-to-face studies in the autumn, the new Minister of Education Anita Muizniece (New Conservative Party) told LETA in an interview.

"We will do everything on the part of the Education and Science Ministry to motivate people in any way to get vaccinated. I am not afraid to say that this is the No. 1 thing that every resident and parent must do," the minister stressed.

Muizniece added that each child who can be vaccinated must also get vaccinated against Covid-19. Of course, in this case, it is important to respect the rights and decision of the parents in this matter. However, the Minister hopes that parents understand the seriousness of the situation.

The Minister of Education and Science reminded that the primary school stage has suffered the most in the remote learning process. Pupils and teachers also depend to a large extent on public involvement in the vaccination process in order to re-establish full-time learning.

"The moment we have vaccinated teachers, parents, older brothers, sisters, and our grandparents are safe, then we can allow the little ones to school without harming them. (..) It is no longer acceptable for schools to continue working remotely," she said.

As Muizniece emphasized, vaccination is one of the important points. "The moment we all get vaccinated, we get back to life like it was before the pandemic," she said. The Minister noted that it is likely that there will be Covid-19 safety requirements at schools during the next school year as well.

In order for schools to be free of Covid-19, Muizniece confirmed that guidelines will be drawn up. The Ministry of Health and the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPDC) will also be involved in the development of these safety guidelines.