Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that as of Friday, March 13, all schools will be officially closed for 14 days a day after the second case of Coronavirus, COVID-19, was confirmed in Jamaica.
“As of tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020, schools will officially be closed for 14 days. This decision will be reviewed in 10 days,” the Prime Minister announced in a tweet.
PM Holness made the announcement in a press conference as he urges Jamaicans to remain calm.
These include: Teachers Colleges, Community Colleges, Early Childhood Institutions. The closure of schools announcement does not apply to Universities. Universities to make that decision (will be left to their discretion)
Press Conference https://t.co/QXIBTxOW20
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 12, 2020
The Jamaican Government has been proactive in preparing for, responding to and prevent a potential outbreak following of COVID-19 following the island’s first two imported cases in Kingston from the UK confirmed this week and with the virus now officially classified as a global pandemic.
As of March 11, the World Health Organization is reporting a total of 118,322 positive COVID-19 cases globally. Given the increased risk of transmission, especially with the global cases reported, Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister and Dr Christopher Tufton have addressed the nation on measures that are being reviewed for implementation.
- A protocol for school closure has been approved and is being reviewed for implementation as necessary. We alert parents to make provisions for the care of their children in the event of school closures.
A protocol for school closure has been approved and is being reviewed for implementation as necessary. We alert parents to make provisions for the care of their children in the event of school closures. pic.twitter.com/n2QPYiQ3sn
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 12, 2020
- No event permits will be issued over the next 14 days; those already issued will be revoked.
No event permits will be issued over the next 14 days; those already issued will be revoked. pic.twitter.com/R911OsD7sq
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 12, 2020
This story is developing…
