Schools unlikely to physically reopen in September due to latest COVID-19 measures

- following confirmation of 9th COVID-19 case in VI

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Students and teachers who were looking forward to physically returning to school in September 2020 may have to continue in their online space, until November 2020 at least. Photo: VINO/File

The Order, signed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) shall cease to apply on October 31, 2020 unless extended by the Minister. Photo: GIS/File

The decision to close schools for the next 3 months and discontinue all extra-curricular activities, according to the latest COVID-19 control and suppression measures put in place by the Government of the Virgin Islands, follows the discovery of an imported case of COVID-19. Photo: Internet Source

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Students and teachers who were looking forward to physically returning to school in September 2020 may have to continue in their online space, until November 2020 at least.

Further, all school related extra-curricular activities are to be discontinued for the next three months.

This is according to the latest COVID-19 control and suppression measures put in place by the Government of the Virgin Islands, following the discovery of an imported case of COVID-19 in the Territory.

According to the Order published in the Official Gazette on August 1, 2020, "all schools shall be closed and all school related extra-curricular activities shall be discontinued."

The Order noted; however, that teachers and staff may access their respective schools to prepare lectures or materials for the purpose of engaging their students online.

Further, all students who are in senior grades may also access their respective school for the purpose of preparing for, or sitting standardised exams.

Restrictions of assembly

Meanwhile, all gatherings shall be limited to one person per sixty-four square feet and shall not exceed fifty persons at any given time, and in the case of vulnerable persons, the gathering shall be limited to a no more than ten persons, as certified by the Social and Monitoring Task Force.

For the purpose of faith-based services; a graduation ceremony; a wedding ceremony; or a funeral; however, gatherings shall be limited to one person per sixty-four square feet and shall not exceed one hundred persons at any given time.

According to the Order, where the organisers of an outdoor event anticipate that the event will exceed a gathering of fifty persons, he or she shall make a written request to the Minister, seeking permission to hold the event.

The Order, signed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) shall cease to apply on October 31, 2020 unless extended by the Minister.

41 Responses to “Schools unlikely to physically reopen in September due to latest COVID-19 measures”

Teacher (02/08/2020, 10:23) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
yes keep school closed until a clear and current source is found but please make the teaching a little eaiser for us to teach and that students do better this comming school term the parents have to take or make a major reole in the education procees of their children the chief education officer has a lot ofwork to do but she has to change her silly ways and stop trying to pressure people remember we are only humans
- Suggestions (02/08/2020, 11:00) Like (14) Dislike (10) Reply
  There should be choices whoever want their child to go on campus school send them and whoever want their children to continue online class are willing too.
  - @suggestion (03/08/2020, 02:55) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    If you had to choose whether YOUR child walked in the middle of the street versus the sidewalk, which would you choose? Better safe than sorry. God forbid a child should get sick, some of you parents who want school to reopen will be the same set that will be gunning for the government's head on a block.
Martial Law (02/08/2020, 10:29) Like (29) Dislike (12) Reply
Told y’all all these things is gonna happen this new normal is the new world order, just wait till they sterilize you and you’re kids with the vaccines... we’ve been sold out like it or not, they’re killing the sickly in these hospitals that’s why they aren’t letting no one see the bodies whether by pictures or seeing the person physically, y’all don’t know how wicked this agenda, even our government said this new regular is a term that came to their spirit when the whole world is saying the same thing, can’t you see the games that’s being played ?!
ndp (02/08/2020, 10:38) Like (16) Dislike (16) Reply

DEPRIVING THE CHILDREN OF THE FUTURE THEIR EDUCATION
- @NDP (03/08/2020, 03:04) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
  Nobody is depriving ANY child of an education. The only difference between this year and last year is that this year parents are being asked to be more involved in their child's schooling. Something you would have signed up for when you chose to have the child. Some parents NEVER come to the school, not even for the child's report. And when some of them do show up they don't even know what class the child is in. If nothing else the experience has taught us all that teaching is hard work! Appreciate what your child's teacher goes through everyday with your child. You were only asked to do it for a few months, and you bawling. Teaching is hard, remember that the next time you open your mouth to say something negative like the teacher can't teach, instead talk to the teacher and find out what the REAL problem is.
  - Django (03/08/2020, 15:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    CORRECT! The title of "Parent" is something many in our society desire but cannot manifest. "Want a baby" and bringing a child into this world is so easy, but there is hardly ever deep discussions between parents beyond the financial responsibility. What ever happened to spiritual and moral development? What ever happened to taking an active role in your child's education? Sitting them in front of the TV or devices will educate them? Are the teachers solely responsible? NO.....alot of slack "parents" walking around, with little or no involvement in the lives of the children "They Chose" to bring into this world. SO RAISE THEM....let them stay home, protected from Covid-19, continue to receive virtual lessons, and RAISE YOUR KIDS!!!
resident (02/08/2020, 10:51) Like (44) Dislike (9) Reply
Really..... This online teaching is difficult on students, teachers and parents. Teachers are just fed up. Open the schools with proper measures for sterilizing and social distancing. It is easy for some people to say keep schools closed. Only who feels it knows it. Why is nobody saying keep the bars closed?
We need to be more realistic. Teachers, students and parents need schools to be reopened.
Why can't the necessary things be our in place and an effective time table. More thought needs to be put into this whole thing. People are tired, frustrated and fed up.
- reality (02/08/2020, 15:18) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
  In all actuality the bars and restaurants should be closed in my opinion, however the same people wanting schools to open and saying Government affecting education blahblah blah not lobbying for bars to close. These same people leaving same kids home, going to bars, socializing, going home and want their children who may have been exposed due to their wreckless partying ways to go to class with other children and teachers and potentially spread the virus. We do not know who has what. Not enough tests being done. The person who tested positive came through airport. Was the pilot, passengers, customs, immigration officers, taxi, meal preparers and deliverers at quarantine facility contacted? Are we 100% sure no one has snuck over to BVI from USVI these past few weeks? What do we really know besides the fact that our social distancing measures are not being adhered to by certain well-known establishments, and mask wearing is less and less common.
  
  Wait till End of year or January at least to see if schools reopening will be safe
- @resident (03/08/2020, 03:19) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
  Parents and the children fight basic school rules ALL the time. A simple rule like wearing the appropriate uniform made the headlines. And yet some of these same children leave and go to work in the banks, law and trust firms where the dress code is more strict than school. But these same children manage to follow ALL the rules, and no parent shows up huffing and puffing to their child's supervisor. Rules like the type of shoes they should wear, the color nail polish they can use, the type of jewellry, etc. Sounds familiar? But some of YOU parents want school to reopen with the assurance that YOUR child, the same one sneaking the phone, which is not allowed into school so they can cheat on exams, and take comprimising photos of classmates simply to embarass them on the internet. This is the same child YOU want us to believe that will follow the COVID guidelines at school?? Please take a seat. God forbid a child gets sick, some of you will be the first to go online and blast the government. Most of you just want a baby sitter. For some of you this is the most time you have spent with your child in years. Imagine.
- Django (03/08/2020, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  Sadly, teachers and students will feel the strain, however, keeping children from a clustered environment is what the government decided to do as a form of control and to keep everyone safe. "IF" a child supposedly gets sick, who will the other parents blame? Government. Then there will be hell to pay. Its a huge risk to send children into a learning environment at a time like this. Lets watch and observe as things progress and take the necessary precautions.
Too extreme. (02/08/2020, 11:14) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
There are no cases (that we know of) nor outbreak. Schools have had summer programs with social distancing.
Too extreme! Use common sense, guys!
- @ Too extreme (02/08/2020, 14:24) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
  I visited a school during their summer camp and aint no social distancing was going on for sure. The children were NOT wearing masks and they were in very close proximity to each other.
  - @Too extreme (03/08/2020, 03:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the same behavior that will occur if school should be reopened. The port is closed to people, but cargo still comes. Until there is a cure there is always a threat everyday. Did any of you visit Peebles after Irma? I did., it looked like HELL. Patients were all over the place, staff looked overworked, supplies were running low, and other things. God forbid we should have a serious outbreak, we do not need anybody to tell us, we know what would happen. As long as cargo continues to come there is always the threat.
Local (02/08/2020, 11:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Are we having Sunday Morning service to day?
pat (02/08/2020, 12:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
Well sah this is ruff
nonsense (02/08/2020, 12:23) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
Heap of nonsense....We running from our shadow. How far will we get ?
A (02/08/2020, 12:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
Is there wearing of mask in the bar and social distances?
okay (02/08/2020, 12:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
Does this include daycare centers? I am not clear
GG (02/08/2020, 13:55) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
Just sad. No proper education -- no clear plan for properly opening economy if most parents are being indefinitely prohibited from returning to work. How long can we operate as a wellfare system: how long can the country's budget sustain this. Not all positions are condusive to remote working. More and more citizens will loose their jobs and livelihoods. Our legislators had months to come up with clear guidelines for a phased reopening - but its clear that there is no plan. They seem to have entirely dropped the ball: everytime something happens - become reactionary drop everything and go backwards. When there is no vision the people perish.
- Django (03/08/2020, 15:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
  Its easy to point fingers when you are not a leader. What vision do you have in mind? What are your plans? C'mon people, we like to CHAT. Many think we are so "smart" and "know it all" because of our so called "higher education" and "status" in society. So instead of criticizing government, lets offer some suggestions here.
Dulce (02/08/2020, 14:23) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
Open the schools for those parents who insist.
Have these parents sign an affidavit releasing the VI Gov from any and all responsibility and liability for they and or their children adverse health resulting from Covid19 exposure.
Their signature should also agree to be responsible and liable for any known contamination that they and or their charge have extended to others in and/ or outside of school .
- @dulce (03/08/2020, 03:30) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
  I love this idea! I wonder how many of them would be willing to put their signatures where their mouths are, and risk the life of their child?? They only miss the baby sitting of their children that teachers did.
Jay (02/08/2020, 15:19) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
Dear government can you please stop this BS and reopen the darn schools them. I am a parent of 4 children and I along with a lot of teachers I've spoken too are fed up of this online crap as it is taking its toll. Let the children them go into the classroom and learn.
@wow (02/08/2020, 16:29) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
The most sophisticated of Governments are having this issue. The VI is not unique. So far, it has been doing a better job than most. The whole world is in the same boat, socially, economically and medically.What to do ? The game change is a constant . This includes the neighbouring islands a stone throw away. Consider the DR with upwards of 73,000 confirmed cases. We are all screwed and it's not the VI Gov fault..
Trump yes,not Fahie. The pandemic Group that Obama put in place to handle the possibility of a scenario such as this was immediately fired upon Trump taking Office ,at his request. The World as we knew it is gone and it is not the fault of the Vi Gov and its Ministers. We are all frustrated but deep breath and stay rational,please. Our survival is at stake.
LMB (02/08/2020, 18:30) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
We have to learn to live wth covid-19. We can't continue to bury our heads in the sand. If borders are closed and there is no active spread, then open the schools. These kids are at basketball camps, swimming, music camps, surfing, soccer etc. Government please be practical and use common sense. These kids are not using social distancing, neither are there parents. We have no local spread! Cut your shit. Yes we will get cases here but we have to learn to live with this. No USA tourists I understand. But free up the place.
- @LMB (03/08/2020, 03:34) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
  Granting permission for summer activities was made WITHOUT prior knowledge. You REALLY can not understand NOW why the government would like to be extra cautious just in case another such situation presents itself?? Lord have mercy.
Nothing new (02/08/2020, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Well... knew this was going to happen
Ope (03/08/2020, 01:32) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
School need to open. My child not getting the good gasp of some subject. My child need to be in class room settings. Is like parent doing school work for their children at home
- @Ope (03/08/2020, 15:11) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
  Maybe you needed to use youtube to help your child learn the subject area or refer to your textbook for help. Find out what type of learner your child is and get resources based on the child learning style.
GG (03/08/2020, 04:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
this is insane.
The real (03/08/2020, 08:11) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
Grow some balls Hon. Malone you're over doing it now with the restrictions. We dont have community spread we can open our schools stop looking at what the USA is doing.Im beginning to feel that there's no plan and you all following other countries. Come up with you all own plan we dont have to have all these restrictions still stop moving like cowards unless you all have private agendas
- HereisaPlan4u (03/08/2020, 19:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
  Lobbying for schools to reopen? Offer a trade off. Schools open, bars, salons, clubs close... restaurants delivery only. Taxis... allow one person or family per destination. You choose :)
change (03/08/2020, 09:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
Time to accept that the entire worldwide education system is changing. Indoor groups of 'students' in a room with a single teacher/lecturer are over. Online distance learning is the new normal for the rest of everyones life. As long as the internet is available you can go to online school anywhere anytime. Parents, kids, students have lots more education choices now so take advantage of these new choices.
Beyond Ridiculous (03/08/2020, 09:50) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
The current case was detected on a person presently in quarantine following the exact protocols this govt developed to protect the people. THE SYSTEM IS WORKING. This knee jerk form of leadership is NOT LEADERSHIP. It reactionary at best and crushing this society.
smh (03/08/2020, 11:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
There must have been some sort of discussion about opening schools before this last case? I can’t understand the reasoning behind the decision not to open schools because of this last case.
So if there was no new case there would be another excuse not to open school.
Eagle (03/08/2020, 12:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
If online education is going to continue until November might as well they go until the end of the school term in December.
Headhurts (03/08/2020, 12:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
Is like they didn't foresee something like this happening, this is just ridiculous. Obviously if you are going to allow people back into the country, you have to make sure they are tested before and after and assume some will be positive. If you have made that assumption, you must have planned a sensible reaction, which would be to quarantine and treat, but to take a step back says you have no sensible plan.
An idea... (03/08/2020, 13:16) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
Why not use online learning and classroom learning. For instance, create a schedule were each child gets at least 2 days of classroom learning and 3 days of online learning. That way, enough space can be created amongst the students for social distancing and they all still get the benefit of face to face learning. I also think that we need to take into consideration that alot of parents are actually doing the children's work or assignments. Some teachers may agree from looking at a child's grade this last term versus the first two terms
- Django (03/08/2020, 15:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  @An Idea, nice suggestion Some children can come Mon & Tue, while others Wed & Thur for a few hours with measures in place. I dont know how well that will work but its a suggestion.
? (03/08/2020, 14:49) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
Why not use the shift system to enable social distancing?

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Schools unlikely to physically reopen in September due to latest COVID-19 measures

41 Responses to “Schools unlikely to physically reopen in September due to latest COVID-19 measures”

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