More than 2,600 schools and educational institutions across the country have reopened since September 15, mostly grades 9 and 12 as students have to sit for exams by year's end.

The reopening comes as the government plans to expand its vaccination drive to include children as young as three years old in a bid to reopen schools at all levels across the Kingdom.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said during the launch of vaccination campaign for children aged 6 to 11 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on September 17 that a total of 2,641 schools have so far reopened – 153 kindergartens, 1,500 primary schools, 716 secondary schools and 272 high schools.

“For school reopening process, I recommend that no more than 15 students be allowed in each class. They must adhere to the education ministry’s standard operating procedure,” Hun Sen said.

The education ministry has said that exams for grades 9 and 12 may be held at the end of this year, though Hun Sen noted that no date has been set.

“Virtual classes should continue in areas with high Covid-19 transmission rate. I have told municipal and provincial authorities to remain highly vigilant and monitor the Covid-19 situation closely in order to break the chain of transmission timely,” he said.