The Ministers of Public Health and Education in the caretaker government announced, during a joint press conference, the health plan to accompany the partial and gradual reopening of the educational sector.
The Health Minister revealed that the vaccine would arrive in Lebanon on Saturday afternoon, with vaccination starting on Sunday and the implementation of the national plan beginning on Monday. He added that the vaccination plan prioritizes individuals based on age and risk level, noting that certain sectors, such as the healthcare sector, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are prioritized. The educational sector follows the healthcare sector in priority, underscoring that this phase requires health and medical support, which can be viewed as a strategic mission to preserve the future of generations and the educational standards that Lebanon is known for. Minister Hassan clarified that any decision to close a class would be made in coordination with and based on a direct recommendation from the Ministers of Education and Health, stating that the decision regarding the epidemiological situation will no longer rest with the school director or local authorities as it did at the beginning of the pandemic.
Minister Al-Majdoub then emphasized that Lebanon should not adhere to international standards that defer vaccinating the educational sector to the third phase, considering that there are no issues with internet and electricity availability for remote education, unlike the situation in Lebanon.
He remarked, "Based on Lebanese criteria, students, teachers, and staff should be in the advanced phase of vaccination. We provided attestations last year, but this year we aim to conduct exams and complete the school year, and it is essential to vaccinate students, especially amid discussions about the new British variant."
He stressed that "online teaching is not sufficient, and we are compelled to return to schools and blended learning while vaccinating teachers and students, particularly those in secondary classes."
The conference began with a technical presentation by Dr. Nada Ghasan, head of the epidemiological monitoring program at the Ministry of Public Health, to announce the general lines of the health plan that will support the reopening of the educational sector. This plan includes implementing basic preventive measures in schools and colleges such as wearing masks and social distancing, as well as reporting cases among students, teachers, and administrative staff and their contacts.
