Owing to the number of COVID-19 cases detected in the school system, the Bishops’ High School has opted to close its doors to physical engagement.
A release by the school on Friday notified the public that all classes will be done through its virtual platforms as of tomorrow. The school said that the decision was made following consultation with the Ministry of Education.
Most students returned to face-to-face instruction on Monday last and President Irfaan Ali along with the Education Ministry have stated that schools will not be closed despite the surge of COVID-19 cases seen recently.
The Education Ministry has continuously assured that the schools will have students wear masks during classes, and a strict hand washing protocol and sanitisation will be instituted. In addition, the seating of students has to follow social distancing recommendations. However, this newspaper was informed that up to Wednesday the ministry found that over 100 teachers and auxiliary staff had tested positive. This data did not include teachers in Georgetown.
The Guyana Teachers’ Union has since demanded that all schools close while the health ministry assesses the situation. According to the GTU, 105 teachers tested positive during the five days that schools were reopened and as a result, 15 schools were forced to close. The union is also calling for schools to return to online learning until the cases are under control. In addition, it has explained that while it recognises the challenges presented by online learning, the decision must be made in keeping with the health of the nation.
