On Monday, May 3rd, The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, met with the Education Emergency Measures Committee (EEMC) to discuss the safe return to in-school learning and the introduction of the saliva testing screening strategy for schools.
Minister Rabain said, "“Provided the intended public health targets are met, school is intended to open for in person instruction on May 10th. This will be confirmed when announcements are made regarding the proposed move to Phase 2 of our reopening.”
"In preparation, the EEMC met to discuss revising the COVID-19 guidelines, that have been in place since September 2020, to include a saliva screening strategy. This strategy will enable weekly self-administered saliva screening to be available for all schools, both public and private. We want all of our schools to be safe for students and staff. The regular saliva screening will help us to identify risks and keep schools safer."
Minister Rabain added, "Lets all work together to make this happen. This non-invasive, self-administered test is important to help move us beyond this pandemic. Further details of the program, including parental consent forms, will be sent to parents tomorrow."
"The screening process will not start until school returns, however as we look forward to returning to in-school instruction on Monday, safety is paramount. We can create a safe learning environment by each of us - students, parents, and school staff - playing our part by getting tested."
"There is free self-administered saliva testing available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Penno's Wharf and Tuesday and Thursday at Star of India, from 10 am to 3 pm. Appointments can be booked using https://bdagovcovid.resqwest.com/web/”
Minister Rabain expressed, "As we celebrate our Teachers during 'Teacher Appreciation Week', there is no better way to show our appreciation than by taking the necessary steps to reunite our teachers with their students, for in-person connection. Teachers, your presence and influence leave a mark that lasts a lifetime; thank you for pouring your energy into our children."
"Students, during such uncertain times, you have shown tremendous dedication to your learning, and we look forward to you being able to return to your structured learning environments so that you can continue to thrive."
Minister Rabain concluded, "Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Do the research, talk with your doctor, and make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine."
The representatives of the EEMC (Education Emergency Measures Committee) include the Ministry of Education, the Department of Education, the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Bermuda Public Services Union, the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Department of Health, the Department of Communications, a Private School Representative and Members of the Legislature.
Information and public health guidelines are available at www.moed.bm/District/Portal/covid-19-information. Any questions concerning COVID‐19 should be emailed to schoolsurv@gov.bm
All public health guidelines are listed at https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus