KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – The Ministry of Education on Thursday said it will be implementing a phased reopening of schools from next Monday, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the country.
Primary-school students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Photo taken from The Borgen Project.Online/virtual learning at all schools resumes on Monday, to be followed by blended learning (online and onsite) commencing two weeks later on October 18.
Full onsite engagement for all schools will resume at a date to be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.
“The decisions regarding the resumption of classes nationwide have been strongly influenced by the increased cases of COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the established protocols of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment for the safe operation of schools,” the Ministry said in a press statement.
“The Ministry anticipates the cooperation of particularly parents and guardians, educators and students during this period of unprecedented challenges to the education system and the country on a whole,” the statement said.
It reminded stakeholders that the health and safety of all Vincentians is vital and said it “strongly urges all concerned to work collectively in adhering to the existing protocols and other measures instituted to combat the crippling effect of the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said Government is mulling over categorizing teachers as frontline workers, which means they would have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to continue in their jobs.
As it stands, teachers are expected to present their vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test at least once every two weeks.
