When the new school year commences shortly school opening and closing times and the arrangements for extra-curricular activities will return to what they were prior to the covid-19 pandemic.

This is among a number of plans for resuming face-to-face classes outlined in a memo to principals from the Chief Education Officer.

The circular states that the school day will return to pre-pandemic scheduling with some schools being in session from 9 am to 3 pm and others from 8 am until 2 pm.

In addition, all extra-curricular activities will resume in full and general assemblies will return to the pre-pandemic arrangement.

The memo states that the three feet distancing protocol will no longer be observed in schools but mask-wearing will be required indoors at all times.

Mask breaks will be allowed as needed but must occur outdoors and mask-wearing is optional when people are outdoors.

In addition, students will not be required to wear masks while engaging in physical education classes or other physical activities outdoors.

Hand sanitization will be mandatory on entry to the school but vaccination is not a requirement for entering the school plant.