More dorms students, teachers test positive for COVID-19

Fifteen more students attending dormitory schools across Guyana have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive students since the reopening of schools on January 4, 2021, to 45.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony during Tuesday’s COVID-19 update, revealed that to date, 13 teachers and other staff have also tested positive. All positive patients are in isolation recovering and the students are also being provided with their daily worksheets to continue their education.

The Health Minister stated that the current cases are manageable as the ministry is collaborating with the regional education officers to ensure measures are in place for the students and teachers.

As testing continues, the ministry expects the number to increase as more students are expected to return to school.

Institutional isolation facilities across the regions are being utilised to treat the patients; the minister had announced that testing is mandatory for students returning to dormitory schools.

Schools reopened for Grades 10, 11 and 12 students in November 2020 while virtual and other forms of learning continued for other students.