RIGA, Feb 19 (LETA) - School directors may not issue a decree on resuming contact learning for grades 1-4 pupils as yet before the government has officially published its decision, LETA learned from several school directions in regions.

Kristine Bruzule, the director of Atis Kronvalds' Durbe Elementary School, asked about readiness of the school to resume contact learning, said: I am waiting for the government to publish the latest amendments. Without that, I have no legal reason to issue a decree. There is no information about the time when the amendments will be published," she said.

The school has been getting ready for contact learning. Classrooms have been prepared. Covid-19 testing materials have been arranged and will be brought to school today.

"We have done all the practical work, but now the regulation is needed based on which we may work next week," she said.

Matisi Elementary School director Veneranda Logina from Burtnieki county also said that she has no official documents on the grounds of which to issue a decree on resuming contact learning.

"From media reports we learned that initially there were 20 municipalities where contact learning could be resumed, then 19 municipalities, then 25 municipalities, yesterday Burtnieki county appeared on this list. There are many uncertainties. In my opinion, the risks are still high," said Logina.

Sigulda local council spokeswoman Sindija Brikmane said that the local government has received an official document from the Education and Science Ministry that schools may resume contact learning for grades 1-4 pupils, but the local government is still waiting for the government to officially publish its decision.

Auce county has convened an extraordinary council meeting today. The council chairman Vija Kersus (Latvian Farmers Union) said that the municipality and schools are ready to start contact learning, and possible risks have been discussed.

Also, Kegums county chairman Raivis Uzuls (Vidzeme Party) confirmed that schools are ready to resume contact learning.

As reported, as of next Monday, pupils in grades 1-4 will resume contact learning in municipalities with low Covid-19 incidence, the government decided Thursday.

The ministers endorsed the proposal to use the regional approach to organizing the process of comprehensive education, which will allow resuming contact learning on certain conditions in those municipalities where the cumulative 14-day Covid-19 incidence is below 200 cases per 100,000 population.