He was at the time speaking during a Friday, October 9, 2020 interview with 284 Media, on a number of issues in the territory while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Premier, “The Minister of Education [Dr. The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7)] this week and up to yesterday night had a meeting with the Financial Secretary, we're making sure that we get all the necessary funds put together to make those schools that are still needing certain attention, received those.”

He said immediate attention issues include, hand basins for washing of hands and also the implementation of other measures and resources to deal with the COVID-19 situation in the schools.

Cabinet to announce details – Premier Fahie

“Cabinet will pass next week that the schools should be opening, I don't want to steal their thunder but the but to alleviate some of the fears, the answer is yes, we are working feverously towards it,” he said.

The Premier’s announcement comes as the territory on October 7, 2020, confirmed that it has zero confirmed active cases of the deadly novel coronavirus at a time when the territory prepares to reopen its borders to international tourists on December 1, 2020.

Health Minister Hon Carvin Malone (AL) however has warned that no active case in the territory does not mean the VI is in the clear regarding no cases at all.

Schools were scheduled to stay closed for the remainder of the 2020 school term with some institutions approved for a phased reopening with COVID-19 measures in place.