The Ministry of Education said it is prepared to send schools guidelines to address the ongoing heatwave and remind them of measures to keep students and staff safe.
Elias Markadjis, Head of the Safety and Health Office at the Ministry, confirmed standard instructions for hot weather will be distributed to schools, focusing on sun protection, providing shade during outdoor activities, and ensuring proper ventilation with fans and air conditioners where available.
The guidelines come as scorching temperatures raise concerns, particularly for primary and kindergarten students who still have classes, alongside middle schoolers currently taking exams.
Teachers have previously voiced challenges teaching in classrooms lacking air conditioning, an issue the Ministry says is being addressed through a school air conditioning installation program.
Dust concerns addressed
Schools are also facing an additional challenge – dust affecting air quality. The Ministry has already sent separate guidelines reminding staff of dust mitigation measures.
School administrations are responsible for monitoring dust levels (using the color-coded system on the Department of Labor Inspection’s Air Quality Branch website, www.airquality.gov.cy) and taking action based on the following:
- Green: All school activities proceed normally.
- Yellow: All activities continue, with monitoring of students with respiratory issues and mask use suggested for those experiencing discomfort.
- Orange: All outdoor activities on and off school grounds (trips, events) are cancelled, along with Physical Education classes.
- Red: All outdoor activities are cancelled, movement in outdoor areas is restricted, mask use is mandatory, and during breaks, students may only move for essential purposes (bathroom, water, canteen).
