April 12 could bring ’gradual return’ to school in Panama

Panama’s Minister of education spoke to the possibility of beginning a ’gradual return’ to in-person classes in Panama starting April 12th 2020.

An official response from the Ministry of Health (Minsa) is expected this Monday and Tuesday. 

What we do know is that the reopening of schools in Panama will be by educational region, starting in areas where the rate of coronavirus infections are low. It is being recommended that the first students will be preschool and primary students. 

The minister clarified to the parents that this process "will be voluntary" and progressive, with the accompaniment of the Ministry. By this, we believe is it indicated parents will have the choice to send their children to in-person classes or to continue virtual classes, which will be continued in this "progressive" and "gradual return."

Panamanian schools have been closed since March 2020, when classes were suspended due to the pandemic. Classes started virtually in July of 2020 which continues to date (April 5 2020 date of publishing). 

Source and Photo:
La Prensa - Education Ministry says that on April 12 "the gradual return" of blended classes in Panama could begin