Three schools have been shut down till November 9 after a teacher-tested positive for COVID-19. The three schools are Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS), Mahaut Primary School, and Massacre Primary School. Academic operations are suspended at the schools until Friday, November 6, but activities will resume again on Monday, November 9.
Education Minister Octavia Alfred disclosed that the coronavirus-infected teacher has been admitted to the COVID-19 isolation centre in Portsmouth for treatment and observation. The identity of the ITSS teacher has not been revealed.
The minister said health officials visited the school to test all students, teachers, and employees to be certain that no other person is positive for the disease. She stated that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education will continue to offer support to staffs and students of the schools in accordance with recommendations of the health ministry.
She also added that officials of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) as well as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) have been informed of the situation, and that the school closure is a precautionary measure to forestall the incident of coronavirus infection among the school community.
Alfred also urged all members of the public to continue adhering to health and safety protocols established by the health ministry in regard to frequent handwashing, use of face masks, observance of social distancing, and staying indoors where necessary at all times. She also urged people to remain calm and focused during the coronavirus pandemic, saying every country in the world is battling the virus but will all come out victorious.
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