“We reiterate to the population that vaccination against Covid-19 at the national level is voluntary and is not considered a mandatory requirement for returning to classes,” the Health Ministry (Minsa) highlighted on its Twitter account on Sunday, March 6, the day before the return to classrooms.

The Minister of Education, Maruja Gorday de Villalobos, stated that about 80% of the student population over 12 years of age is vaccinated against the new coronavirus. Of the immunized teaching staff, the figure exceeds 95%.

"There are no restrictions to start classes at the national level," she said.

Previously, the authorities have informed that the student population will be immunized against the virus with the start of classes, but that each student must have authorization from the guardian. This procedure will also apply to swabs.

In a statement, both entities reiterate that the Ministry of Social Development will continue with economic support "to the beneficiary population without conditions."

In addition, the Meduca will guarantee the entrance to the classrooms of all the students without distinction. At the same time, the Institute for the Training and Development of Human Resources (Ifarhu) will maintain the system of educational scholarships for students who meet the established requirements without additional conditions.