Minister of National Education Mahmut Özer paid a visit to Bartın Governor's Office as a part of his contacts in the city.

 

Özer announced to journalists that face-to-face education continued without any interruption in all levels during the 2021-2022 school year and the Ministry will continue to manage the Covid-19 process which entered a new phase.

 

Reminding that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced after the Health Science Board meeting that mask obligation is lifted in closed areas, Özer said, "The Ministry of National Education has decided to lift mask obligation for 18 million teachers in all levels of education."

 

Özer noted that the decision to open face-to-face education following a recess as a part of Covid-19 pandemic was the result of an important will.

 

"We are adamant, especially about two points. First of all, schools should be places which will be opened first and closed last. Secondly, opening face-to-face education is a matter of national security. Entire society saw that we have made the right decision," stated Özer.

 

Minister Özer went on to say that the education system is a large system including 18 million students and 1,2 million teachers and keeping schools open was an important step in normalizing life during Covid-19 process.

 

"Teachers worked with sacrifice during this process. They wore masks at school and during classes and vaccination rates among teachers were above national average. They displayed an example for society," said Özer.

 

He also mentioned the contribution of vocational schools to produce most needed products varying from masks to disinfectants.

Noting that schools are the safest places in the society as long as necessary measures are taken, Özer said, "Beyond providing education, schools are the places where children develop personal and psychological improvements, boost ties with their peers and build their future. I am very happy to say that we have successfully completed Covid-19 pandemic process."