The Dominican Republic will return to face-to-face classes from April 6 in locations where the covid-19 positivity rate is below 5%. This was announced this Friday by the Ministry of Education.
The return to the classroom will be divided into stages and will begin with the students of early childhood, initial and the first cycle of primary school. In addition, the final year high school students who study in the technical modality are summoned.
The Minister of Education, Roberto Fulcar, explained that the return to face-to-face teaching will also depend on compliance with health protocols in educational centers. Institutions must ensure that students maintain a social distancing of 1.5 meters both inside and outside the classrooms. Also the use of masks.
“We are aware that we will find levels of decline in the pandemic that will indicate to us when is the time to include new communities, new schools, new student populations to the presence and we will do so. But, we are also aware of the possibility that in some open schools there will be outbreaks and we will have to take a step backwards, “said Fulcar.
The provinces that meet the requirements for face-to-face classes
According to the epidemiological bulletin issued this Friday by the Ministry of Public Health, only the provinces of Elías Piña, Monte Plata and Independencia meet the requirements, according to the positivity rate. The Dominican capital is not included.
Classes will be divided into weekly groups with up to 50% of student enrollment per class. Precisely, according to the protocol established by the educational authorities. On alternate days, students will continue with distance learning through the platforms established by the Ministry of Education.
The return to face-to-face teaching will be voluntary. It will also have the consent of the parents, who must sign a document approving the reentry.