Students have their temperature checked before entering a school in HCM City’s Tân Phú District in January, 2022. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — The municipal People's Committee says all students except those who are positive for the COVID-19 causing virus should return for in person classes starting on April 12.

The administration said in an urgent document that the new rule applies for all students, from kindergarten to high school, and stops the blending of online learning with in person classes.

The document calls on relevant departments and agencies as well as local authorities to coordinate with the schools to organise the safe return to school of all students.

All schools are also asked to ensure half-boarding services as well as, meals to help parents feel secure about sending preschool and primary school children back to in person classes now.

The administration has assigned the city’s Department of Education and Training to continue implementing guidelines on organising direct teaching suitable for each grade level, ensuring quality, efficiency and equality in education.

It has asked the schools to develop more online teaching platforms and programmes and learning materials for students who are infected with the novel coronavirus and are being treated at home.

The city’s Health Department has been told to direct all district-level health centres to assist local authorities and schools in implementing pandemic prevention measures.

Since the fourth COVID-19 wave hit the country last April, the city has allowed parents to choose either in person or online classes or a mixture of both with their preferred tutors. — VNS