The head of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov, said that the vast majority of Russian universities would return on September 1 to classes in the traditional format, taking into account the recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor on the prevention of COVID-19. Teachers over 65 years old, as well as teachers with chronic diseases, will not be admitted to full-time classes. This will affect up to 20% of the teaching staff of universities. Although there are no such restrictions for school teachers.
“Pravmir” clarified with Rospotrebnadzor why teachers of universities over 65 years old are to be transferred to remote work and whether this can be avoided.
Is this document mandatory for all universities or is it a recommendation?
The document is a recommendation.
So, will universities be able to make a decision on admitting teachers over 65 to full-time work?
Yes, each university can independently decide on the admission of teachers over 65 to full-time work.
If universities allow teachers over 65 years old to teach full-time, what sanctions will this threaten the educational institution and the university administration?
There are no sanctions for non-compliance with the recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor, since the document is advisory in nature.
What is the reason for the recommendation not to allow teachers over 65 years of age to conduct classes in full-time?
People over 65 are at risk and carry coronavirus infection harder.
Why does this rule only apply to university professors?
For teachers working in higher education institutions, the risk of contracting coronavirus infection is higher, because teachers work with adults over 18 years old who get sick more often.
Why are there no instructions in the recommendations for the work of kindergartens and schools not to admit teachers over 65 years old to full-time work?
It is because for children under 18 years old the risks of contracting a new coronavirus infection are lower.
Translated by Alyona Malafeeva
