JEDDAH: Saudi universities will reopen on Oct. 3 as scheduled as they will not be covered by the royal decree that delayed the reopening of schools after summer holidays.
“University students do not need any delay in restarting their studies due to swine flu pandemic as they enjoy greater immunity,” said Muhammad Al-Saleh, secretary-general of the Higher Education Council.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah issued orders Thursday to defer the reopening of schools for up to two weeks in order to take precautionary measures against swine flu.
The order does not cover teachers, as they have to be present at their respective schools to attend training courses on how to confront H1N1 concerns.
Dr. Ziyad Maimish, assistant undersecretary for preventive medicine at the Health Ministry, said the training program for teachers is ready.
“We’ll provide them with necessary information about the disease, its symptoms and how to deal with it,” said Maimish.
