Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 1, 2020 (ZIZ News): Minister of Education the Hon. Shawn Richards has announced that schools will remain closed until further notice as the country battles the spread of the coronavirus.
During a national address on Friday Minister Richards said the decision was taken in the best interest of the students.
“I am here today to reaffirm the Ministry of Education’s commitment to making the best decision regarding our children’s education. The Ministry of Education remains vigilant in its assessment and response to the threat of Coronavirus. To this end, we have been advised that it is critically prudent for us, at this time, to keep all educational institutions closed until further notice,” he said.
He said these decisions are always taken under the advice of the health authorities.
“Our decisions regarding the extended closure of schools are informed by the advice of our local medical experts. These experts continue to keep abreast of the most current international and regional medical research and best practices for controlling COVID-19,” he said.
Minister Richards said the government feels it has made the best decision in extending the closure of schools and serious thought has to be given as to when and how schools may be reopened.
“We will not reopen schools under the same conditions prior to closure and that all critical steps will be taken to ensure that the required conditions for sustained health and wellness are in place prior to the return to traditional education in “brick and mortar schools,” he said. “I can say definitively at this juncture, that when we reopen schools, they will reopen in a phased manner to ensure the health and safety of everyone concerned, and guided by the advice of our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws and the National Task Force on COVID – 19.”
He said in the meantime Students are provided with sufficient learning activities on the Ministry of Education website: www.education.gov.kn and the flow study platform, www.flowstudy.co and nutritious meals are being provided with the resumption of the school meals programme.