Ministry of Education's Media Conference On The Physical Reopening of Schools

Key Points from the Ministry of Education’s Media Conference On The Physical Reopening of Schools for Academic Year 2020 – 2021: Tuesday January 26th, 2021 SECONDARY SCHOOLS will reopen on February 8th for Forms 4-6 students ONLY. A hybrid system will be utilised for these students which will include the continuation of online classes and students reporting to school to complete SBAs/Practicals/Internal Assessments. There will be physical classes for Forms 4-6 students only where absolutely necessary. PRIMARY SCHOOLS will reopen for Standard 5 students ONLY on April 12th, 2021. Substitute teachers will be assigned to schools to supervise and ensure health protocols are followed. ALL Students must wear uniforms when attending physical classes. They must also wear masks, sanitise regularly, and be subjected to temperature checks. A 6 ft distance must be maintained in teaching spaces. No assemblies/congregations at schools. There will be staggered breaks. Students will be allowed to eat at their desks. Sharing of material (books, stationery, snacks, sanitisers) is prohibited. Normal school hours will be maintained. Parents must inform teachers/Principals if their child displays flu-like symptoms at home, or have been identified as Primary Contacts of a COVID-Positive person. Schools must have a designated quarantine area for students exhibiting flu-like symptoms. These students will be picked up. An Education District Health Unit has been established in each school district to facilitate the physical reopening of schools. Each Unit will comprise one doctor and 14 nurses. The Unit is responsible for ensuring that COVID-19 protocols are followed at schools. A cleaning regime will be in place for all schools. The Ministry of Education will be engaging MTS in this regard.