Kindergartens could resume their activities after July 15 if the epidemiological situation improves, President Igor Dodon announced Monday after the meeting with Prime Minister Ion Chicu and Speaker Zinaida Greceanîi.

The kindergartens in rural areas would be the first to reopen.  

"If the situation is favorable, we will mostly reopen kindergartens in rural localities, obviously depending on the epidemiological situation in each locality," said Igor Dodon.

The decision comes after a group of parents from Balti protested and demanded the reopening of kindergartens over the weekend. The participants in the demonstration claim that they have to leave their children at home alone. 

The authorities in the Capital are also preparing for the reopening of preschools. Deputy Mayor Angela Cutasevici announced that last week, 148 kindergarten employees participated in online training.

"The purpose of these trainings is to train nurses, cooks, educators' assistants on the requirements for duties and compliance with hygienic-sanitary rules in the post-pandemic period in early education institutions", said Angela Cutasevici.

Educational institutions were closed on March 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research has drafted a regulation with clear rules the kindergartens must adhere to after reopening. 

Accordingly, the groups will consist of only ten children, and the kindergartens will have to be provided with disinfectant and infrared thermometers. Staff will also need to wear masks, gloves inside kindergartens.