A press statement published by the Ministry of Education states that at a meeting between the Government and the Teachers’ Union in Castille, the teachers’ representatives were addressed directly by the Superintendent of Public Health, Professor Charmaine Gauci, who reiterated that education and health authorities are working hand in hand to open schools, contrary to what the same union said.

This means that the Teachers’ Union is disregarding the advice of the health authorities, a position which has also been made public.

Professor Gauci reminded how as a result of the cooperation between stakeholders; Malta was one of the few countries where there was no need to close schools.

The statement concludes by reiterating that for the Government the education of our children is a priority as is public health, and all decisions are taken in the interest of our children. The decision of the MUT to ignore the advice of the health authorities is considered illegitimate and therefore when schools are opened, teachers are expected to report to schools in the normal way and honour the obligations of their duties.