Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Dr. Natalio Wheatley has made it clear that all students will be allowed physically in the classroom, with or without consent to be tested for COVID-19.
The minister made the statement during an interview with 284News on Thursday January 20.
His comments came following the circulation of a form which requested the consent of parents to test their children for COVID-19 prior to reentry into the classrooms.
Some parents were concerned that their children may have been barred from the classroom if the consent was not given, however the minister put those concerns to rest, stating that no child will be refused the opportunity to return to face-to-face learning.
The Minister also spoke on the topic of testing among staff in education.
He said while it is not mandatory for staff to be testing for the virus, he believes they are the ones that should lead by example.
This he said would help students and parents to feel more confident in the testing regime process.
Dr. Wheatley also addressed the concerns which were raised on mass testing. He said while the aim is to test as many students as possible, the reality is that goal is not feasible.
Instead the ministry will be conducting testing among select samples of students.
Watch 284News 6pm news broadcast for the full details of this story and for the full interview click the following link: https://www.284media.com/videos/education-minister-speaks-on-recent-topical-issues-in-education/