1-meter Distancing to Become Mandatory in Schools

The learning process in in 2084 public schools in Georgia will start on September 15, and maintaining a 1-meter distance in schools will become mandatory.

Deputy Minister of Healthcare Tamar Gabunia announced that the Ministry of Healthcare has completed working on the package of recommendations, which is very important to start the learning process in a safe environment and limit the risks of spreading COVID-19.

In her words, the main principles for a safe learning environment have three directions, which are: using personal protective equipment, using face masks, keeping distance and adhering to sanitary-hygienic norms.

"The use of face masks in the school environment will be mandatory for all visitors, staff, teachers and other persons, except pupils," she explained.

Teachers are required to wear a face mask, however, they will be able to remove it while conducting lessons.

School administrations will be able to schedule lessons by themselves, including on Saturdays.

The Ministry of Education and Science reports that conducting lessons in classrooms is mandatory for I-IV grade pupils.

In other grades, schools can:

If necessary, with the introduction of the mixed model, distance learning in grades V-VI will be possible for 1 day per week;
Maximum 2 days in VII-XI grades;
Maximum 3 days in XII grade.

The Ministry says the mixed teaching model should be agreed with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia and the Educational Resource Center.

By Ana Dumbadze