Amid reports of a rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, the Education Ministry has issued fresh advice to schools, in a bid to keep the number of cases down, and keep students, teachers and other school-based personnel as safe as possible.

In a memo to the principals of both public and private schools yesterday (Wednesday), the Director of Education said schools should ensure that all hygiene protocols – in reference to handwashing, the cleaning of surfaces after use & the use of correct sneezing and coughing etiquette – are in use.

The Director also urged schools to maximize ventilation, while recommending that all staff and students who present with mild cold or flu-like symptoms wear a mask.

Students who present with flu-like symptoms during exams, the memo went on, should be placed in a space within the classroom where there is minimal contact.

And where a student tests positive for Covid-19, or is otherwise ill, all efforts should be made to ensure that their exams are administered at a subsequent time.

It added too that visitors to schools and anyone exposed to the virus are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.

This advice from the Education Ministry follows a new directive from the

Sir Lester Bird Medical Center (SLBMC) just a few days ago, that all patients, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask due to the escalating number of Covid-19 cases.