Statement of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia

In connection with the prevention of the spread of the influenza virus, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia continues continuous monitoring of the ongoing educational process in schools.

According to the monitoring carried out on February 2 and 3, the number of school absences due to illness is showing a sharp decline. However, a few schools have been identified where absenteeism exceeded 20% yesterday and today.

Verification of information with parents revealed that some students are not attending school due to illness, while absences among other students are related to the post-influenza period. Specifically, for preventive purposes, parents are refraining from sending students who have already recovered back to school. 

Upon the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control, in schools where absences due to illness exceed 20%, the Ministry has made the decision to suspend the educational process for 3 days for preventive purposes.  The missed hours will be made up at the expense of Saturdays.

Monitoring of student attendance in schools will continue on a permanent basis.  The Ministry once again calls upon schools to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the National Center for Disease Control of Georgia, which is an essential condition for reducing student illness.

See the list of schools