The government will resort to implementing distance learning if the COVID-19 situation deteriorates, said the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Abdul Ghafour al-Quraan, on Sunday.

However, for now, the new academic year will start as scheduled on September 1, and classes will be held at schools but with strict health measures to be adhered to, al-Quraan added.

All school curricula have been computerised in anticipation for distance learning, he added.

Online platforms for distance learning have been developed to accommodate large numbers of students.

New health restrictions were announced on Sunday, by the Ministry of Education following the start of the new academic year.