Kuwait likely to end current school year for students due to Covid-19

Public schools in Kuwait are expected to shut for the current school year.

The Kuwaiti cabinet is expected to approve recommendations by the education minister Saud Al-Harbi to end the current school year for all students except those in grade 12, local media reported.

Last month, Al Harbi said that a final decision on the matter would be made by the middle of July.

The government suspended all public schools on March 12 due to the spread of Covid-19, with the closure extended until August 4.

According to the recommendation from the minister, 12th grade students will continue e-learning and a decision will be taken on how and when they will complete their final examinations.

For other students, the final grades will be based on the first semester. Students who have passed more than four subjects will be promoted to the next grade, local media reports stated.

The 2020-2021 school year for public schools is likely to begin between October 4 and 11. Depending on the Covid-19 situation, classes could continue via e-learning.

Private schools in the country ended their regular school year on time.

Kuwait started implementing a five-phased plan in June to reopen the economy completely by mid-September.

The country had imposed a complete curfew from May 10-30 to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The second phase of easing Covid-19 restrictions across the country began on June 30, with malls, restaurants and cafes, and public parks reopening after a closure of more than three months.

Public and private sectors can operate with a maximum of 30 per cent capacity. Curfew hours have also been relaxed and will now start at 8pm instead of 7pm, ending at 5am.

The second phase is scheduled to last for 30 days.

Read: Covid-19: Kuwait lifts lockdown in all areas except Farwaniya