The Ministry of Education has developed seven models for organizing the new academic year in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. 

The officials propose to the directors of educational institutions to choose their own plan, depending on the number of students, teachers, as well as after consultations with parents. The directors are to notify the ministry of the decision by August 1.

The Minister of Education, Igor Sharov, mentioned that in the new school year several changes will be introduced, in order to ensure a safe educational process for both teachers and students. Moreover, students will not be required to wear masks and gloves as previously reported.

"Model 1 involves 100% physical attendance at school. Model 2 learning in two shifts. Model 3 combined learning. Model 4 hybrid group learning daily. Model 5 alternate learning, weekly. Model 6 distance learning, including online and model 7 blended learning", said Minister of Education, Culture and Research.

At the same time, measures will be taken in educational institutions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

"If necessary, in pandemic conditions, lessons of 30 minutes can be organized to minimize the time students are in school. Together with epidemiologists we will think of longer outdoor breaks to ventilate the rooms. We will capitalize on more entrances to schools, we will think about various learning environments. "

The activity of educational institutions was suspended on March 11, due to the novel coronavirus. According to the Ministry of Education, there are 1,250 schools in Moldova