The Ministry said that the measure will be enforced in 4,602 public schools, which have 1,400,000 students.

Pichincha, where this capital city is located, epicenter of the national strike started on June 13, is one of the provinces with several localities in virtual teaching.

In the case of the Metropolitan District of Quito, the boards of directors of private, municipal and public schools may decide autonomously the mode of study, as long as there are conditions for face-to-face classes.

Azuay, Bolivar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Los Rios, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza and Tungurahua are other areas where these measures will be implemented.

This decision was made fundamentally to solve the problems regarding the transfer of students and personnel to schools and to ensure their safety.

On Thursday, the popular mobilizations have completed 18 consecutive days calling on the national government to devise public policies that benefit most of the people, in view of the high cost of living and the increase in crime and violence throughout the country.

pgh/aph/mgt/scm