Mask Wearing Will Be Recommended, But Not Mandatory in Artsakh Educational Institutions

On August 27, the President of the Artsakh Republic, Arayik Harutyunyan, convened a working meeting dedicated to the organization of the educational process in educational institutions for the new academic year.

During the pandemic, the possibilities and challenges of organizing the learning process in the republic’s educational establishments were presented by the Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Republic of Artsakh, Lusine Karakhanyan. She specifically noted that as a result of coordinated efforts with the Artsakh Emergency Situations and Health Ministries, relevant principles and methodological recommendations have been developed for educational institutions.

As a result of the discussions, it was decided that wearing masks in preschool, general education, and higher educational institutions will be recommended but not mandatory. However, daily temperature checks and disinfection measures will be implemented in all educational establishments.

Arayik Harutyunyan emphasized that combating the pandemic is a pressing necessity, but equally urgent is the issue of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the educational system. According to the President, the risks associated with the pandemic have not diminished, and therefore, in the case of the detection of a new outbreak of the pandemic in any educational institution during the new academic year, strict measures will be applied to prevent the spread of the virus.

It was also noted during the meeting that, despite the planned start of the academic process in general education schools on September 14, all first graders will symbolically attend school on September 1.