Skopje, 3 September 2021 (MIA) – Elementary and high schools students have returned to classrooms and are abiding by COVID-19 protection measures, the Ministry of Education and Science said in a press release on Friday. According to data the Education Ministry collected from schools on September 2, only 0.01% of students are infected with COVID-19, same as teachers. “Schools are abiding by protection plans and protocols. Masks are mandatory for students, teachers and other staff. They also get their temperature taken and disinfect their hands when entering the building. Moreover, classrooms are often aired out and disinfected,” the release read. The Ministry called on stakeholders to remain vigilant, stressing that abiding by measures provides is best protection. “We call on teachers, parents and school principals to report possible cases to the health authorities, who will take action in accordance with algorithms,” the press release underlined. The Education Ministry also urged stakeholders to abide by measures, as experience shows that when they are respected, the virus isn’t transmitted at schools, adding that responsible behavior outside schools is also crucial. “This is the only way to curb the spread of the virus and ensure high quality education through in-person classes, that have no better alternative,” the Ministry stressed. Some 257,000 students are enrolled at elementary and high schools nationwide for the 2021/2022 school year.