Minister of Education GL Pieris says 87 percent of the teachers in the country have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine thus far.
Speaking in Parliament today, Minister Pieris said as of this morning nearly 253,000 teachers and non-academic staff have received a vaccine dose against COVID-19.
He said 98 percent of the teachers in Colombo and 87 percent from Hambantota have been inoculated.
The Education Minister noted that they are hoping to fully vaccinate teachers before the end of August and will take a call on reopening schools thereafter.
He said schools can be reopened safely if vaccinations are completed and social distance rules are adhered to.
Minister GL Pieris said the decision on reopening schools will be taken on the advice of health experts.
