Hot weather forces schools to close early

As of this week the nation’s schools are closing their doors early. The schools can’t stay open until 1 pm due to the hot weather. The new school hours will be in effect until Mid November. The primary schools close at 11:30 while the junior and senior level secondary schools close their doors at noon. Education and Culture Minister Marie Levens explained that it is not uncommon for schools to close early due to the extreme weather conditions.

“In the past the schools only opened for half a school day in October. But this practice suddenly stopped. It is really too hot. On some days we have temperatures that are not normal. It is way too hot for the children and the teachers. It is common knowledge that October is the hottest month of the year. That is why two weeks ago the ministry wanted the schools to open for half a day. Up until now the ministry has not received any reports from people who felt ill due to the extreme heat. But in order to prevent this from happening the ministry has decided to take this measure,” said Minister Levens who did not rule out the possibility that some people will have something to say about the ministry’s decision to close the schools early. “The health of the people must be taken seriously,” said the minister who urged the principals to adjust the schedules so that the lessons could go smoothly. The measure will be in effect until November 13. That is when the weather will be less warm. The Education Ministry also introduced another measure which does not make it mandatory for children who are 12 and younger to wear a surgical mask at school. The minister explained that the decision was based on new scientific opinions of the health authorities. “It is still mandatory for the teachers to wear a surgical mask.”