After nearly a year and a half of virtual learning, many more students can now look forward to returning to the physical classroom.

Addressing Parliament yesterday (November 30), Education Minister Fayval Williams announced that face-to-face learning for a number of additional schools can now be offered, providing that certain criteria are met.

Williams stated that secondary institutions that have 65 per cent or more of their student population vaccinated, have now been authorised to offer face-to-face learning.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information on November 8 approved face-to-face learning for 376 small primary schools and for high schools, grades 11-13, who are currently preparing for external exams.

Williams yesterday stated that, in addition to this, 383 other primary and primary and infant schools across the island with an enrolment above 630 and those occupying 80 per cent or more of their capacity, have also received the go ahead for physical teaching and learning.

In the meantime, students who are not yet fully vaccinated will continue to do remote learning. This includes the online/computer-aided learning, audio-visual learning and learning kits. 

Before schools are able to return to the physical space, there are several measures and protocols that are to be adhered to by the different school administrations and reported to the Ministry’s regional office. This includes a submission of a satisfactory health inspection and COVID-19 approval report from the Ministry of Health, an outline of the schedule for in-person learning and a submission of 65 per cent or more vaccination rate for each institution.

Schools are also required to consult with parents about the start date for the resumption of in-person learning.

Providing that all criteria are met, schools are to await written approval before the commencement of their institution’s face-to-face classes.

In a release today (December 1), the ministry stated that all individuals working in and around the school campuses are expected to be vaccinated. At the same time, the ministry specifically encouraged those with co-morbidities to get vaccinated and observe the COVID protocols while carrying out their daily duties on the campuses.

Williams also highlighted vendors and traffic wardens who operate in close proximity to the schools, urging them to also get vaccinated, given that they may come in contact with students.