The Tripoli Teachers Union has expressed rejection and concern over the Education Ministry's decision to reopen schools as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the country.

In a statement on Facebook, the union argued that the ministry's decision was either appropriate or practicable, as the move was taken in lack of resources on the part of the State, and the ministry's failure to abide by its pledges.

"Schools opened their doors in the absence of adequate support in terms of cleaning materials, water, masks, and sterilizers," the union said, noting that sterilizing supplies were provided in limited quantities to students only, while risks to educators are being dismissed.

The statement also indicated that some of the temperature assessment devices distributed by the ministry do not work. Another concern is that there are no plans or a mechanism for applying physical distancing.

"The few schools that support the decision to restart classes is due to the fact that they are not significantly dependent on the State for financial support," the union added.

As for the rest of the schools - according to the union - they even lack a janitor, stressing the school administrations are the ones who bear the repercussions of the ministry’s decision, as they found themselves confronted with a fait accompli, to open their doors to students and teachers without the ministry’s commitment to its obligations.