DUSHANBE (Avesta news agency) — Due to the cornavirus pandemic, the new school year in Tajikistan began this year on August 17, instead of the traditional September 1^st. Classes in schools and universities were interrupted in the spring.

The Tajik government decided to open the school year earlier than usual in order to make up for the time lost due to the interruption of classes.

School officials are urging parents, pupils and students and teachers to comply with the epidemiological rules on wearing masks, using antiseptics and observing social distancing.