Public and private schools, vocational schools and higher education institutions throughout Georgia will start distance learning on September 15 and the study in this format will continue until October 4. 

The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli stated about it at the briefing held today after the end of the Coordination Council in the Government Administration.

"We have decided that we will have a hybrid approach. This means that in towns or villages where the infection rate is below 4% on October 4, studies will resume in classrooms. However, those cities and villages where the infection rate is above 4% by October 4, the education will stay remote.

As you know, currently Delta strain makes up 90% of the various strains in Georgia, and unfortunately, this strain is especially prevalent among children and young people. Therefore, the health of children, is a top priority and based on this and the recommendations of the NCDC, the Interagency Council made this particular decision" - said the Minister of Education and Science.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli explained that the Coordinating Council will discuss the next decision according to the October 4 data. The Ministry of Education and Science, like in the previous semester, will offer the most flexible system to the school community. In particular, schools will have the opportunity to choose between in-person and distance learning. 

As for higher education institutions - like schools, education in universities will be conducted in a distance format until October 4. Exceptions are allowed only for medical students. Universities are empowered to conduct clinical, laboratory and practical work in an attended format. During these activities, both students and professors who lead the process should be vaccinated twice. It should be noted that the theoretical lessons for students of medical programs will also be fully distance learning until October 4. 

Relevant recommendations and instructions regarding the learning format will be received individually by schools, vocational colleges, and universities from the Ministry. 

As for kindergartens and preschools, the Coordinating Council will discuss their implementation after October 4, according to the epidemiological situation.