Among the government's «top priorities,» the Minister of Education, Niki Kerameos, set the return to in-person training. Speaking on the Mega Channel television station, Ms. Kerameos also mentioned the possibility of mandatory vaccinations for those teachers and the creation vaccination centers at universities, as well as evaluation.
«It is the government’s top priority to return to in-person education at all levels. We are discussing various ways to achieve this. I cannot make any announcements yet. All options are on the table. We will continue our discussions with experts, and when we are ready to make announcements, we will present a comprehensive plan. »Any decisions will be made immediately,” Ms. Kerameos emphasized.
Regarding the establishment of vaccination centers, he noted that universities have already been asked to provide a list of all their facilities where a vaccination center could be set up. «We are awaiting the exact lists of locations so that we can plan the establishment of vaccination centers at all universities across the country in the coming weeks,» he noted. When asked if there are similar plans for schools, he replied: «The situation is different for minors; parental consent is required for their vaccination. But we will discuss what to do about this issue as well.».
On the subject of evaluation and the relationship with the wage withholding, the Minister of Education emphasized: «The withholding of salary will not be a consequence of the evaluation, but a consequence for anyone who does not participate. The evaluation is mandatory. However, it does not entail any adverse consequences for teachers. But teachers must participate; that is why it is mandatory.».
