14 education personnel died of COVID-19 in Turkey in a week

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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The Education and Science Laborers Union (Eğitim-Sen) has shared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) data for the week of April 19-25, 2021.

Titled "Laborers are dying, the Ministry of National Education is staying silent," the table shared by the union has shown that 14 education laborers lost their lives due to COVID-19 from April 19 to 25.

Referring to the data as "a dark picture full of death news from education laborers", the union has noted that while seven education personnel lost their lives in the week of April 12-18, when face-to-face education was suspended, the death news have increased incrementally.

Reiterating that 14 education laborers lost their lives due to the virus in the week of April 19-25, the union has said, "According to the records we have been keeping since March 2, the number of education laborers who have lost their lives due to the outbreak has reached 45."

The union has raised concerns that "while there are news suggesting that the real number is much higher, the Ministry of Education does not make any statement about the issue, evading responsibility."

According to the Eğitim-Sen, "We are faced with the grave consequences of resuming face-to-face education without taking measures."

Cases among teachers, students

The union has also shared the number of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts among teachers and students. Examining the classes where face-to-face education was still ongoing, the union has found that nine teachers have COVID-19 in kindergartens, 38 teachers have COVID-19 and eight teachers are close contacts in secondary schools, 47 teachers have COVID-19 and three teachers are close contacts in high schools.

As for the cases among students, there are 37 positive cases and 28 close contacts in secondary schools and 95 positive cases and 73 close contacts in high schools, according to the Eğitim-Sen.

Within this context, the union has called on the authorities to suspend face-to-face education at all levels and to cancel exams as soon as possible until the vaccination process is completed. (AÖ/SD)