Indonesia’s Health Ministry Prepares for New School Year Amid the Pandemic

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s health ministry will set up a range of health facilities and infrastructures in preparation for the new school year 2020/2021.

The upcoming school year is expected to start in July 2020 and will take place during unprecedented times as the coronavirus pandemic shows few signs of slowing down in Indonesia.

Schools that are in the green zone will be allowed to reopen and conduct in-class teaching. Those outside of the green zone will be required to continue offering online learning.

Read also: WHO Cautions Indonesia on New Normal Preparations

Schools that will reopen will be required to uphold stringent health protocols stipulated by the Ministry of Health.

They must also provide adequate health and sanitary facilities such as clean toilets, disinfectants, and handwashing stations equipped with running water, soap, or handwashing liquid.

Additional regulations that must be met include ensuring that classroom capacity will be properly managed.

Read also: Like It Or Not, Indonesians Must Obey Health Protocols Toward The New Normal

If under normal situation a classroom has 28-30 students, during the pandemic, the number of students will be restricted to 18. That number applies strictly to elementary schools and junior high schools.

Health ministry’s aid