COVID cases shutter schools

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has disclosed a range of measures aimed at corralling the spread of COVID-19 cases in schools, forcing a retreat from face-to-face classes.

The measures have been triggered by a number of COVID-19 infections across the island, which have disrupted reopening in some schools.

These include suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in eight schools across four regions.

In Region one (Kingston and St Andrew), two schools were affected, Donald Quarrie High and Penwood High.

The student at Donald Quarrie who was suspected of being infected subsequently tested positive. As a result, the school was closed last Friday for sanitisation and psychosocial intervention, with the Ministry of Health & Wellness directing that the institution remain shuttered until contact tracing is completed.

Penwood High had a staffer who tested positive and the school was subsequently closed for deep sanitisation and will reopen for face-to-face lessons on February 1. All individuals who came in contact with the positive case have been quarantined.

Over in Region Two (St Thomas, Portland, and St Mary), St Mary High has delayed its reopening as a senior administrator who was exposed to the virus has been sent into quarantine. This member’s spouse has tested positive.

In Region Five (Manchester and St Elizabeth), four cases were reported: one at Sydney Pagon, one from Fullerswood Primary and Infant School; and two parent cases from Munro College.

The Ministry of Health has notified Munro and Hampton that boarding students who left for the weekend must be quarantined upon return for 14 days before they are allowed to re-engage in face-to-face activities.