Owing to the decision of the Coordination Council, from February 15 the educational process in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Rustavi secondary schools will continue in classrooms. According to the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, the epidemiological situation was once again assessed, and the 7-day infection rate dropped below 4%.

It should be noted that in case of COVID-19 cases are confirmed in schools, the restrictions will continue. The Ministry of Education will systematically monitor the process of compliance with the rules set by the Ministry of Health.

It is vitally important that parents in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Rustavi have the option to choose between distance learning and traditional method of teaching. In case teachers have to conduct additional remote lessons, by the decree of the Ministry, all teachers will be fully compensated. All parents who wish their children to continue education in a distance learning format, should contact the school administration and register on the website created by the LEPL Education Management Information System - www.online.emis.ge.

As for COVID-19 testing, all schools will require mandatory systematic testing of at least 20% of teachers and school administration staff once every 2 weeks based on a protocol developed with the Ministry of Health. To provide and receive the mandatory testing, all school employees must register on the following website: https://labour.moh.gov.ge

As for kindergartens, vocational schools and higher education institutions, a separate announcement will be made about the specific decision in the coming days.

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli made an comprehensive explanation:

"We have particularly good news. As you know, the epidemic situation allows us to continue the learning process in classrooms across the country from February 15^th.

As you know, on Monday, all schools received its students throughout the country. As for kindergartens, vocational schools, and higher education institutions – this process will be gradual. A separate announcement will be made in the coming days.

I would also like to emphasize that medical protocols will be strictly observed at schools, teachers will undergo regular testing, therefore, everything will be done to have an absolutely safe environment in schools. "