Prilep, 26 August 2021 (MIA) – Schools are ready for the start of the school year on September 1. We’ll launch in-person classes and monitor the situation, Minister of Education and Science Mila Carovska said in Prilep, where she oversaw the construction works at the Mirche Acev high school and the construction of a gym at the Kire Gavrilovski-Jane elementary school. In regard to the conflicting positions of two associations – one in favor of online classes and the other pushing for in-person instruction, the Minister told reporters that she respects everyone’s opinions, but will implement the government’s decision to launch in-person classes. “We’re monitoring the epidemiological situation at local level. Of course, everyone has a right to an opinion and I respect that. We base decisions on international and domestic experiences, as well as recommendations issues by the Commission for Infectious Diseases. The government instructed the Education Ministry in June with drafting three scenarios: full restoration of in-person classes, a hybrid model and completely online instruction. Recently, in line with the recommendation of the Main Crisis HQ, the government decided that the school year should start on September 1, with all schools across the country holding in-person classes. That’s what we’re preparing for,” Carovska said. If the Commission for Infectious Diseases at any moment issues a recommendation to apply another scenario, Carovska underlined, the government will make a new decision, in the best interest of students. Some 65% of school workers, the Minister said, have been vaccinated, which is a good sign for the return of students to classrooms. “I’m satisfied with the level of vaccination among teachers, which is double the national average. That shows that they are aware of the need for vaccination and demonstrate responsibility,” Carovska stressed.