I use this opportunity to wish all our stakeholders a happy and prosperous New Year. To our committed school leaders, teachers and ancillary staff, I trust you had a warm and memorable Christmas in the company of family and friends. To the new teachers who joined us during the holidays, I welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands and I wish for you well during your tenure with us.
I also use this opportunity to congratulate those persons who are taking up acting appointments in one or more of our schools. Students, I can imagine your excitement after receiving your Christmas gifts and enjoying the festivities that are associated with this time of year. The time has come to refocus your attention on continuing your formal learning and developing the skills that are necessary to propel you on your journey through lifelong learning and preparation for contributing meaningfully to the continued development of these islands.
The holidays are now ending and we turn our attention to continuing the 2021/2022 school year. As you are all aware, we have witnessed a rapid spike in the number of positive Covid-19 cases over a relatively short period of time. The spike in cases is an indication that the virus is spreading quickly, therefore as we begin Term 2 of the school year, it is incumbent on us to take every precaution to ensure that our children and teachers remain safe.
Before arriving at a decision, my team and I at the Ministry of Education, consulted with the health experts in the Ministry of Health, and considered all possible options to ensure that effective learning of our students continues, while at the same time, striking a balance with their health and safety.
Consequently, the following measures, which are being implemented in the best interest of all, are to take immediate effect:
1 Public schools will remain closed for the remainder of this week. While this is the case, Teachers in public schools who have already been tested and are negative will report for work to prepare for virtual classes. The remaining teachers should have their tests completed by Wednesday, 5th January.
All Schools are also encouraged to use this time to review their COVID-19 Protocols, refresh and take steps to strengthen these protocols wherever necessary.
2 Classes in public schools will commence on Monday, 10th January, using virtual platforms.
3 Private schools will have the option to begin virtual classes this week or on Monday, 10th January.
4 Virtual Classes for ALL SCHOOLS (Public and Private Schools will continue until Friday, 14th January.
5 During this two-week period, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health will observe the number of Covid-19 cases. If there is an additional spike in the number of cases all schools will remain in virtual mode for an additional two-week period up to 28th January.
6 If the number of positive cases across the country remain the same as they are now or decrease between now and 16th January, the Ministry may give approval for schools with fewer than 200 students to return to full face to face classes. In addition, schools with more than 200 students may be given approval to commence a hybrid programme but stagger the way classes are brought in.
7 All Day Care Centers serving children under 4 years of age will remain open. Management of these facilities are to ensure that caregivers and ancillary staff adhere to the protocols that are in place in relation to testing, wearing of face masks at all times, social distancing and washing of hands and use of hand sanitizer.
The health authorities have advised that although the number of cases are increasing, there is far less severe cases requiring hospitalization because of the vaccination status of these individuals. We therefore join with the Ministry of health and encourage all teachers, students of vaccination age and parents to get vaccinated and or get your booster shots.
We also encourage all teachers, parents and students to get tested using a local community lab if you are experiencing any flu-like symptom. Over the next few weeks, the situation will be monitored with a view to returning all students to full face to face classes in as safe a manner as possible over the coming weeks, provided the number of positive cases decrease.
I take this opportunity to especially thank our teachers in public schools who have gone through the Covid-19 Testing training regime in an effort to assist in testing of teachers at schools. Your support has made the difference in ensuring that the unvaccinated teachers were tested on a weekly basis. This process will continue into this new year. All members of staff, including ancillary staff of both public and private schools around the Turks and Caicos Islands must present a negative test before they return to school face to face.
High school students sitting their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams will continue their exams as scheduled. Examination centers will enforce the mandatory Covid-19 protocols so as to maintain a safe environment for candidates and invigilators.
May the favour of God continue to rest with us.
