(Jamaica Gleaner) The resumption of schools has been pushed back to October 5 amid a worsening spike in coronavirus cases in Jamaica.
Schools were closed on March 10 and were expected to resume face-to-face classes on September 7.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the ministry cited “unforeseen challenges” for the reopening, but that was likely linked to heightened concern on Thursday with 98 new infections, a record one-day jump in the island.
Up to Thursday, there were 1,290 confirmed COVID cases.
The disclosure follows Education Minister Karl Samuda’s declaration on Wednesday that the 2020-2021 academic year was on track unless there was a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases.
“The only thing that would cause a delay of school is if we continue to have unusual spikes,” Samuda told journalists following his address at the 56th annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association in Montego Bay, St James.
Meanwhile, the ministry says it still intends to press ahead with its “blended approach” model, which involves face-to-face classes learning and online and televised learning.
The ministry said between now and September, the ministry will finalise the distribution of tablets to teachers and students at the primary level and complete the procurement of laptops for students on the Government’s PATH welfare at grades 10-13.
The ministry said it would also activate the Google Suite Learning Management System for all schools.
Training will be provided.
Emotional and other support will be provided for students, teachers and parents, and printed learning kits will be distributed.
