Donetsk, Apr 3 – DAN. DPR does not plan to extend the academic year in connection with the coronavirus infection, deputy Minister of Education and Science Andrey Udovenko said.

"There will be no dramatic changes, no unpredictable decisions on out part. The law prescribes that we must finish the academic year until July 1, and we plan to do so."

He said the main objective was to finish the studies for 9th and 11th grades, who have to pass the state exams. Their time limits have not changed.

"First exam is scheduled for May 25 for 9-grade pupils, for May 26 – for 11-graders."

Latest reports said that there were more than a million COVID-19 cases across the world; nearly 55,000 people have died, 220,000 recovered. The countries with the largest confirmed COVID-19 cases are the US, Spain and Italy.

On March 31, the DPR recorded the first COVID-19 case. On March 14, the DPR went on high alert in connection with the threat of the coronavirus infection spread.  *ot