The education ministry announced Saturday the cancellation of January exams in lyceums and technical schools following the lockdown imposed by the government in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The written exams were scheduled for later this month but children in all levels of education will remain at home for online lessons until at least the end of January.

As regards the pupil evaluations for the first semester, the process will only include the part concerning the oral assessment by teachers, the ministry said.

Full review of pupils will be completed at the end of the second semester, the ministry said.

“Despite it being possible to have exams by applying the necessary protective measures … and despite the ministry taking into consideration that pupils have already prepared for the written review at the end of the semester, it was deemed preferable not to have the exams now since there is an exam period at the end of the second semester,” the ministry said.

Students in lyceums and technical schools are examined twice a year, which count towards their final grade.