Return to face-to-face classes delayed

The return to face-to-face classes has been delayed by 2 weeks.

In a press release this afternoon, the Ministry of Education revealed the new proposed date for the physical return to classes is now January 24th, 2022.

However, online classes will begin from Monday, January 10th, 2022.

The Ministry notes this development is in light of the information shared at the press briefing by the Chief Medical Officer as it relates to the presence of the Omicron variant in Barbados.

It says it has prepared a roadmap for the reopening of school that guides preparation for teaching and learning in the online, blended and face-to-face environments.

In light of the new Omicron variant, the Ministry says further discussions must be held with the Ministry of Health to determine whether additional precautions must be taken for safe face-to-face reopening.

Against this backdrop, the Ministry has advised principals, staff, students and parents to continue to prepare for the phased return to face-to-face school.

It says it continues to be guided by the Ministry of Health as it relates to ensuring the safety of staff and students during this pandemic, and as such, the situation remains fluid.

The Education Ministry notes that if there are any changes to the plans for the safe face-to-face reopening, the public will be notified through the Ministry’s website, the School Alert App, GIS and various media houses by Thursday, January 20th, 2022.

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