‘At least 279,020 Covishield vaccines needed to reopen schools in Sri Lanka’

AUTHORITIES in Sri Lanka aim to reopen schools after conducting a Covid-19 vaccination drive for academic and non-academic staff.

Sri Lanka’s education minister GL Peiris said, “At least 279,020 Covishield vaccines would be needed as the first step in re-opening schools while giving priority to the healthcare of school children.”

Ministers plan to open schools as soon as possible after vaccinating school teachers, principals, vice-principals, and other staff, the Daily Mirror reported.

Peiris added, "All schools had to be closed due to the Covid outbreak. During the period of school closures, online and distant educational programmes such as Gurugedara and e-thaksalawa have been launched to continue with their studies. The online and distance education systems are not satisfying alternatives to classroom education. It requires more time to prepare for online education."

Vaccination will improve the healthcare of teachers as well as help to build trust among parents, the minister said.