NDO/VNA – As of January 15, seven provinces with low pandemic level had been offering face-to-face classes for students from kindergarten to high school levels.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training’s statistics, the localities were Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Thai Binh, and Ha Nam.

Of the remaining provinces and cities, 19 provided online lessons, while 37 offered both virtual and face-to-face classes.

On January 18, the Government’s Office announced Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s conclusion at a regular Government meeting regarding the reopening of schools.

Accordingly, the PM requested that the Ministry of Education and Training team up with the Ministry of Health to immediately organise a nationwide online seminar collecting comments from experts, scientists, and localities regarding the reopening of schools with a view to drafting a specific roadmap for the resumption of schools across the country.

Localities, particularly those with high rates of vaccination for children aged from 12 to 17, should be guided to allow students aged from 12 to go back to schools after the Lunar New Year holiday, which lasts from January 31 through February 4.

Meanwhile, the PM asked the education and health bodies to work together in issuing specific pandemic-prevention guidance for localities and educational facilities so that pupils aged between 5 and 11 can physically attend classes.