Serbian school children going to school every other day

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The Serbian Education Ministry said on Thursday that most elementary and high school children will go to school every other day when the new semester starts on January 24.

A press release said that the ministry Schools Team decided that children in grades 1 to 4 will go to school every day, children in grades 5 to 8 and in high schools will go to school every other day, using the so-called combined method. “The decision was taken following a detailed review of all parameters and data from the competent institutions. At this moment this is the best solution for students and staff. The important thing is to maintain the continuity of the education process while following all epidemiological measures,” Education Minister Branko Ruzic is quoted as saying.

The number of new coronavirus cases has been rising dramatically in the past two weeks with doctors warning that the numbers will not start dropping before mid-February.

The Minister said that the Schools Team will monitor the situation and take decisions weekly. The press release said that face masks are mandatory for all students, staff and anyone else entering schools both indoors and outdoors.

According to the Serbian Public Health Institute, there were 3,074 children aged 6 to 18 who contracted COVID in the week between January 12 and 19.