NASSAU, Bahamas– The Ministry of Health & Wellness has confirmed that several schools have reported positive coronavirus cases (COVID-19) among staff and students.
It said that as of Tuesday this week, 38 positive cases were reported over four weeks and that the cases were dispersed over several schools; and represent a small proportion of the overall COVID-19 caseloads.
The Ministry also confirmed that no clusters have been reported within schools and that while these numbers do not reflect an outbreak in the community, it maintains that individuals must continue to strictly adhere to the standard health safety protocols of hand sanitization, the appropriate wearing of masks – especially in closed quarters, and to isolate or quarantine as appropriate if suspected of / or testing positive for COVID-19 infections.
At least two private schools have suspended face-to-face classes after students and staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
The Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) says other schools are also dealing with COVID-19-related issues and that it is “concerned about the health and safety of our teachers and, by extension, our students.
“So, we see the COVID numbers are rising. We’ve had a few cases at various schools, so we’re also closely monitoring those schools,” the BUT said, adding that a meeting is being planned for Friday with officials of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The two private schools – Saint Augustine’s College and St Anne’s School – said as a result of the situation, they have resumed virtual classes as the Office of the Prime Minister is expected to provide later Thursday, an update on COVID-19 and its impact on schools.
But in a May 10 letter to parents, the principal of the St Anne’s School, Nicolette Fountain, confirmed that several members of the “school family” had tested positive for the virus.
She said that the Ministry of Health and the Contact Tracing Team had been made aware.
“As a result of the consultation, and out of an abundance of caution, we were advised to impose a seven-day quarantine for all staff and students at St Anne’s School. This includes the school’s office. We will return to complete virtual learning starting tomorrow, Wednesday 11, 2022, and we will return face-to-face on Wednesday, May 17, 2022.
“If you or your child exhibits any symptoms, please get in touch with the school, and we will, in turn, forward the information to the contact tracing team. Testing is not recommended seven days into the quarantine period as early testing can provide a false negative result,” she added that the school is also thoroughly sanitized.
In her letter, the Saint Augustine’s College Acting Principal, Marici Thompson, wrote that one of the staff members tested positive for the virus and that virtual classes would resume until May 18.
“We will return to campus for full in-person classes on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Students must log on for morning homeroom at 8.30 am and attend all classes.
“I know this is not an ideal situation for our teachers and students, but we must take these immediate measures to safeguard our school population out of an abundance of caution. Grade twelve will continue their final exams as scheduled and in person. Grade nine Art BJC exams will move to Thursday, May 19, until May 24, 2022,” she wrote.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness said it wanted to advise the country further than contact tracing is an integral part of investigating cases and their possible linkages to others, which allows for the activation of isolation or quarantine measures.
“Regarding schools operating, the Ministry of Health & Wellness supports the accepted processes, which involves making recommendations to the Ministry of Education & Technical and Vocational Training related to permission for and conditions under which schools are to operate during a pandemic or other health emergency.
“The Ministry wishes to underscore the importance of strong relationships with schools and its Surveillance Unit/contact tracing team in guiding decisions to manage potential health challenges related to infectious diseases. Such decisions have both academic and psychological consequences on the nation’s students. The Ministry of Health & Wellness has not recommended the closure of any schools during the past several weeks.”
The ministry said that effective May 8, the COVID-19 online vaccination site has been upgraded to accommodate the scheduling of second booster doses.
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