Ministry of Education issues COVID-19 alert to schools

The Ministry of Education is placing all schools in the country, both private and
public, on the alert following confirmation from health authorities that COVID-19
is on the rise in Antigua and Barbuda.
A circular from the Director of Education, Clare Browne, addressed to principals
of private and public schools under the heading – Keeping safe in the wake of the
rise in COVID-19 cases – outlined several steps that they should take to protect
both students and staff at the educational plants.
“Schools should ensure that all hygiene protocols are in use (the washing of hands,
the cleaning of spaces/surfaces after use, and the use of correct coughing/sneezing
etiquette). Parents should be encouraged to provide hygiene pouches for their
children. Additionally, parents should endeavor to boost the immune system of
their children,” the circular advised.
The Director of Education wants the principals to maximize ventilation at the
schools as well as strongly recommends that any staff member or student who
presents with flu-like symptoms or a mild cold should wear a mask. Under these
circumstances, a temperature check should be done and anyone who presents with
a fever should be encouraged to seek professional help.
“Students who present with flu-like symptoms during the sitting of an exam should
be placed in a space within the classroom where there is minimal contact. Where a
student tests positive for COVID-19 or is otherwise ill, all efforts should be made
to ensure that his/her exams are administered at a subsequent time,” Browne
recommended.
Additionally, the education official is recommending that all persons who have
been exposed to COVID-19 wear a mask.
Lastly, the director is urging all principals to ensure that visitors to the school plant
wear a mask, while anyone who presents with flu-like symptoms should conduct
their business remotely or postpone to another date.