JTA not convinced closing schools will reduce COVID-19 cases

 

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) wants the Ministry of Health to provide evidence on whether the closure of schools will result in a reduction in COVID-19 cases during the current wave of the virus.

 

The Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) has expressed concern about the increase in paediatric COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations and the limited space at Bustamante Hospital for Children.

 

MAJ President Dr. Brian James has suggested that schools close for at least two weeks as part of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

 

But JTA President Winston Smith says while he understands and agrees with the MAJ's concern, the learning loss among students is too significant for a shutdown of schools.

 

Mr. Smith says he has not seen where the opening of schools has added to the surge in cases of COVID-19. 

 

"I'd love to see the data emanating from the Ministry of Health and the doctors to say, right across Jamaica schools are being adversely affected, the hospitals are overcrowded and we cannot exist; we cannot continue and there must be a full-scale lock down, because as it is now, we have to protect the educational prospects of all our students. And we're saying that we understand that we're in a pandemic. We understand that we're in a difficult position, but I am of the view...that we need to continue pressing ahead until we are at a point where we just cannot go any further," he asserted. 

 

The Ministry of Education has said schools will remain open using a blended approach where necessary.

 

Linvern Wright, President of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, argued that the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health are in a bind regarding how to protect the country's children and the rest of the population while keeping schools open. 

 

He agreed with Prime Minster Andrew Holness that the country will have to learn to "live with COVID". 

 

"It's not that what the people in health are saying is nonsense or it's stupid. It's just that I think that we're in a bind and we have to go on anyhow," he said.