Everyone is wishing for a swift return to normality and for children and teachers to return to school soon, president of primary school teachers union (Poed) Myria Vasiliou told the Cyprus News Agency on Friday.

The cabinet’s decision to push back the reopening of schools another week was “a surprise, as we were all expecting that to happen on February 1,” Vasiliou said.

Nevertheless, she added, the extra week could be used by relevant ministries to draw up a plan of action for reopening that will protect the health and safety of children and teachers. “We have been asking for more effective measures in kindergartens and specialist schools that require physical presence since January 7” she said.

Asked whether schools have received any instructions regarding reopening protocols, Vasiliou said the union is still waiting for information on some important matters, namely rapid testing. “Let me emphasise that we will not accept excuses for any delays or loose ends,” she said.

Primary school teachers are always prepared to educate children no matter if that is in person or remotely, Vasiliou said.

Finally, she said that according to the ministry of education, the quality and success of both in-person teaching between September and December and remote teaching has reached satisfactory levels.