Opening of schools pushed back to Oct 5 due to surge in COVID-19 cases

The opening of schools which was slated to commence on Monday, September 7 on a phased basis, has been pushed back by a month to Monday, October 5 due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases.

There has been a spike in coronavirus cases over the past three weeks in Jamaica and in particular in the past two days when a total of 144 new cases were recorded. The total number of COVID-19 cases on the island up to Friday was 1,290.

Jamaica recorded its first case of the coronavirus on March 10 and all public schools were shuttered three days later on March 13.

The Minister of Education, Karl Samuda on Friday said the delay in the reopening of schools follows consultation with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“Barring any unforeseen challenges, schools will reopen on a phased basis beginning Monday, October 5, 2020," Samuda added.

If classes resume on that date, it would mean students would have been out of the classroom for approximately seven months.

Samuda said the re-engagement is based on a blended approach, which includes face-to-face teaching and learning, online and offline computer aided learning, televised learning and printed learning kits. The approach also includes the Ministry of Education’s content app and other learning management systems.

Minister said in statement, during the period between now and September, the ministry will finalise the distribution of tablets to teachers and students at the primary level and finalise the procurement of laptops for students on the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education at Grades 10-13.

The ministry will also activate the Google Suite Learning Management System for all schools and training will be provided on the use of the system.

Psychosocial support and empowerment sessions will also be provided for students, teachers and parents and printed learning kits will be distributed to students. Educational support programmes will also be extended and new partnerships will be forged to support distance/remote learning.

The ministry said further details will be provided to the nation after more in-depth consultation with stakeholders.