In a very brief statement issued by the Ministry of Education on January 1, parents were also informed that schools would now reopen on January 6 instead, two days later than originally planned.

However, the release stated that principals and teachers are expected to begin on Tuesday, January 4 for the start of the school term.

Ministry expresses caution

The release further indicated that the push to online learning platforms was most likely a result of the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases in the territory.

The most recent disclosure from health officials on December 31 put the number of positive COVID-19 cases at 423 persons, with the majority of these (332 cases) being on Tortola.

The Education Ministry expressed that they were “being cautious as they monitor the situation.”

This is not the first instance of schools being forced to go online in the BVI. Local educational facilities were previously asked to go digital at the beginning of the last academic year.

Notably, schools reopened for face-to-face learning sessions at the beginning of the current school year following a deadly COVID-19 surge last July that claimed the lives of more than 35 persons.

Both divisions of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) were also asked to revert to online learning as the academic term came to a close last year.

We want to hear from you

Meanwhile, Education Ministry officials said they were seeking feedback from families affected by the current COVID-19 spike.

In the release, parents were encouraged to complete a survey released by the ministry.

Persons who require additional information about the survey are asked to contact the principal or administration unit of their child’s school.