Education Secretary Carlos Chardon said his department bought $8 million worth of products such as soap and hand sanitizer. Another $15 million was distributed to more than 1,500 public schools so they could buy related items, he said.
Schools are expected to prove by Aug. 7 that they meet hygiene standards and are ready to open on Aug. 10.
"If there is a school that for some reason is not complying with protocol, I am the first to acknowledge that it should not open," Chardon said.
Public schools were previously scheduled to open Aug. 3.
