Schools in Montserrat to shut down due to soaring COVID-19 cases

Montserrat: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports sought to inform all parents, students as well as stakeholders that all ‘government schools’, including early childhood, primary and secondary) will be closed this week, i.e. from May 3 (Tuesday) to May 6 (Saturday).

The decision has been taken because of the hike in the COVID-19 cases.

To date, the ministry has only shared the update for the first week of May; the rest will be announced later, depending on the COVID-19 trend.

The Ministry of Education further assured that it will continue to monitor the COVID-19 rates with the Ministry of Health. The decision on school operations will depend on these rates. As per the ministry, further communication and directives will be shared with teachers through principals.

The MoHSS also urged residents to take measures to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19; as cases continue to increase on the island.

After witnessing the increase in the cases of the deadly infection, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) reminded people to take the following steps to curb the spread of the virus: practice social distancing; wear a face covering; wash and sanitise hands often; stay at home.

It added that “if feeling unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms, isolate and call 496-7437 or 493-4755 for instructions on testing and care”.

As of 12 noon, April 29 (Friday), Montserrat recorded 18 new cases and two (2) recoveries, which has taken the number of active cases on island to 78. The cases are predominantly locally transmitted.