A COVID-19 testing regime will soon be implemented across schools within the British Virgin Islands as part of the Ministry of Education’s overall plan to safely resume face-to-face learning during the pandemic.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Dr. Natalio Wheatley made the disclosure during an interview with 284News last night.
Following the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the BVI, the Education Ministry announced that all public schools will reopen for the Lent term utilising only online learning when classes commence on Thursday, January 6.
Dr. Wheatley said the testing regime which is in its infancy stage will assist the ministry with resuming physical classes in a COVID-free environment.
He said, “It is unfortunate that we have a steep increase in COVID cases and to keep our teachers and students safe we have made the decision to resume classes online. However, we are seeking to reopen for face to face shortly by introducing a testing regime to ensure the safety of administrators, teachers, staff and students, as well as the students’ family. More details about the resumption of face to face classes will be forthcoming shortly.”
Rapid antigen tests the preferred option
The Education Minister said the preferred choice of testing to be conducted at the schools will be the rapid antigen tests, which will be assisted by the BVI Health Services Authority.
“We will be using rapid tests to confirm whether students are positive or negative before having them return to classes and we’ll be assisted by the Health Services Authority who will be providing us with self-testing kits,” he stated.
All students to be tested
The minister added that while the testing regime is still in the planning stages, the immediate aim is to have all students tested for COVID before being allowed to reenter the classrooms.
“Presently, we’re looking at testing all students but the details are still being worked out and I wouldn’t want to give any more details about it until all the details are firmly solidified,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
Ministry seeking info on families affected by COVID
Meanwhile the Ministry of Education in a recently published bulletin said they are presently seeking information of families affected by this present COVID-19 spike.
The ministry said, “Parents are encouraged to complete the survey released from the ministry for parents at https://bit.ly/MEdu2022. For more Information, please contact the principal or administration unit of your school.”