• The Health Ministry is not in a position to give the green light to reopen schools at present
• it is imperative to ensure the safety of school children if the schools are to be reopened
• It is the responsibility of the education authorities to set the tone so that the Health authorities could consider the request and allow re-opening of schools

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Schools cannot be reopened under the prevailing circumstances in terms of the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, the Health Ministry said.

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told the media yesterday that the Health Ministry is not in a position to give the green light to reopen schools at present.

“It is the responsibility of the education authorities to set the tone so that the Health authorities could consider the request and allow re-opening of schools,” he said.

 “We, as health officials cannot create the background. The responsibility that lies on us is to ensure that COVID cases are reduced, which would happen gradually,” Dr. Herath emphasized.

He said it is imperative to ensure the safety of school children if the schools are to be reopened.