Steps being taken to reduce social distancing in classrooms
As the territory continues its COVID-19 vaccination programme, the Education Ministry is seeking to reduce social distancing in classrooms to accommodate more students per session.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on March 10, Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley said he will be seeking the approval of the Cabinet to reduce the social distancing in physical classrooms from six feet to three feet.
“This reduction will allow for more classrooms to accommodate more students, eliminating in most instances the double session for teachers,” Dr Wheatley explained.
The Minister also said he has engaged the Health Ministry on the matter of further normalizing the education system. He said health officials remain resolute that in-person sessions are dependent on the vaccination of a majority of the community.
To that end, Dr Wheatley said several teachers have taken the COVID-19 vaccine; with others scheduled to take the shot in the coming weeks.
However, the Minister gave no figures to indicate the exact number of educators that have so far been inoculated.
“This reduction will allow for more classrooms to accommodate more students, eliminating in most instances the double session for teachers,” Dr Wheatley explained.
The Minister also said he has engaged the Health Ministry on the matter of further normalizing the education system. He said health officials remain resolute that in-person sessions are dependent on the vaccination of a majority of the community.
To that end, Dr Wheatley said several teachers have taken the COVID-19 vaccine; with others scheduled to take the shot in the coming weeks.
However, the Minister gave no figures to indicate the exact number of educators that have so far been inoculated.
