Early reopening of middle schools, longer school year announced
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, joined by the minister of education Yoav Galant, announced on Sunday that the reopening of 7th to 10th grade classes is to be brought forward from March 7 to this week in low infection areas. This decision will be challenged by the Health Minister at Monday’s cabinet meeting. The PM also revealed a plan to continue the current school year until August to give schoolchildren and extra month to make up the studies they missed as a result of coronavirus lockdowns. Both decisions are subject to cabinet approval.
As the announcements were made from the Education Ministry in Jerusalem, the roar of big Purim parties and fireworks in the streets outside reached the building. Police efforts to blockade the capital against a repetition of the weekend street parties in Tel Aviv were non-availing. In the absence of public transport, many celebrants entered the capital on foot.
