Minister: COVID-19 was detected in 1% of teachers tested

ArmInfo.As of September 10, COVID-19 was detected in about 1% of teachers tested. RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan announced  this at a press conference on September 16.

According to Harutyunyan, as of September 10, 6,000 tests were  conducted among teachers, and COVID- 19 was confirmed in about 1% of  cases. The Minister positively assessed this result, noting that it  points to the high social responsibility of teachers and their  compliance with safety measures.

As noted, the school attendance rate on the first day was 97%.  Harutyunyan stressed that the restrictions introduced in schools are  aimed at protecting the health of teachers and students, and  preventing outbreaks of COVID-19. According to him, in the  overwhelming majority of schools the situation is calm, and no  violations of safety rules have been identified. The minister  recalled that the ministry also cooperates with the inspection bodies  in this matter.

"It is possible that the resumption of classes will give some  fluctuations in terms of cases of coronavirus, but the current  situation gives reason to hope that they will not be significant, and  there will be no new outbreaks," Harutyunyan said.

Let us remind you that classes in schools resumed on September 15.  Taking into account the epidemiological situation, safety rules have  been developed for schools. In particular, staff and students must  wear masks; classes with more than 20 people will be divided into  groups; the activity of canteens and buffets is prohibited; it is  also prohibited to hold public events and circles. During the day,  staff and students are provided with the necessary masks and  disinfectants, as well as remote thermometers (at least for the  number of school entrances).

During recess, students do not leave the classroom. Leaving the  classroom is regulated as needed under the supervision of the  teacher. During the educational process at school, whenever possible,  it is necessary to maintain social distance, excluding congestion and  close contacts. It is forbidden to call students to the blackboard,  students answer the lesson from their seats. At the end of the  semester, students' knowledge is tested through a final half-year  written work. Students and parents will be able to see grades in the  electronic diary.