Education Minister, Fayval Williams says the Government is considering a return to face-to-face learning once schools achieve a vaccination rate of 65% or higher. Speaking at a virtual vaccination town hall Tuesday, August 31, Minister Williams says to date more than 37,000 students have taken the COVID-19 jab following two sets of students blitz.
Despite the worries about COVID-19 infections, Minister Fayval Williams says the new school term will begin September 1, with teaching officially commencing September 6. And while stakeholders wait patiently for the return to face-to-face learning, the Minister assures vaccination of persons connected to education will be crucial over time.
The Minister states that 65% is the national average stipulated by health professionals for the return of secondary school students to the physical classroom. And though other countries may have an higher average, the Ministry of Education is being guided by the Ministry of Health to currently use the 65% or more average for the return to face-to-face lessons.
Minister Williams notes the other learning methodologies will be employed until this dream becomes a reality for the sector. She is, however commending students and parents who have been vaccinated while urging continued vaccination.
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