Coronavirus: Saudi closes all schools

Saudi Arabia has suspended all schools, including universities and educational institutions in the kingdom

This move is part of her measures towards containing the spread of coronavirus.

“The decision to suspend all educational study comes as a continuation of the wise leadership’s interest in its children, its concern for their safety and the provision of appropriate alternatives for continuing distance learning,”
Saudi press agency reported

The Minister of Education, Dr. Hamad bin Muhammad Al Sheikh, has also directed the activation of “virtual schools” and distance learning throughout the suspension period.

“They will not be called to perform any tasks. This order applies to all public schools. As per universities, the decision to call up administrators or faculty will be left to university directors as they will need to continue online courses and see what fits their curriculums,” he said.

The decision to suspend schools came the same day Saudi Arabia imposed a temporary lockdown on the eastern Qatif province to prevent the spread of coronavirus after 11 people there were infected.