The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Dr Peya Mushelenga said Cabinet took note of the Ministry of Education’s submission of options to restart the school year. One of the options is to follow a quarterly system and open on 3 August for face to face teaching and learning for learners and teachers. Under this option, schools will end on 28 May 2021 for the learners. This would allow ample time to prepare school facilities for the implementation of e-learning modes, also to enable schools to adhere to COVID-19 regulations when classes resume. Mushelenga said this will enable higher learning institutions to prepare for the new intake and for NSFAF to plan for student funding. This option would be preferable if the nationwide lockdown is extended beyond 5 May. President Hage Geingob will announce after tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting whether the national lockdown would be extended or not. The current lockdown ends on 4 May. An alternative option would be to resume on 3 June, following a phased-in approach and closing on 18 December for the academic year. This way the academic year will still be concluded in 2020. Cabinet endorsed the resumption of face-to-face teaching and learning and authorised the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture to adapt and adopt the academic calendar options. Cabinet directed the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Works and Transport and Finance to prioritise schools and hostel infrastructure to enhance hygiene standards in all educational institutions, as per the COVID-19 public health guidelines.