Parents concerned about schools reopening despite increase in COVID cases throughout the country

Some parents have raised concerns about the rush to reopen schools as COVID-19 cases continue to increase in all divisions.

Javed Khan of Bulileka in Labasa says both of his children are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and with the increase in number of cases, school reopening should be postponed.

Khan says there are more parents like him that have the fear of their children contracting the virus.

He says he will not be sending his children to school until they get both their jabs.

Another parent, Mumtaz Bano of Tabia in Labasa says she is really worried.

Bano says lives matter and there should be some thought process going on about the children before anything is confirmed.

Another concerned parent in Suva says she is not ready to send her child to school.

Susana Bulamaibau says her 8-year-old daughter is not eligible for the vaccine and she does not want to risk her from getting infected.

Meanwhile the Minister for Education Premila Kumar has confirmed that Year 8 to 13 will start school next Tuesday while Early Childhood Education to Year 7 will start on 10th January 2022, as earlier advised.

Schools to open as scheduled – Kumar

Minister says if the situation changes, she will make an appropriate announcement

By: Naveel Krishant

The Minister for Education Premila Kumar confirms that schools will open as advised earlier.

Year 8 to 13 will start school next Tuesday while Early Childhood Education to Year 7 will start on 10th January 2022.

Kumar says they are having daily discussions with the Ministry of Health , WHO and UNICEF and if the situation changes, she will make an appropriate announcement.

Kumar says right now, the Ministry of Education, Heads of Schools and teachers are preparing schools for re-opening and also stand ready to implement any additional measures that may be brought in by the Ministry of Health.

Kumar is urging parents and students to take heed of the advisories issued by the Health Ministry.

The Minister adds some parents are saying that they don't want to send their children to school.

She says she can only say that they can't force them to send their children to school and it's their decision.

Kumar also says the majority of the parents want their children to get back to school.

She further adds the Ministry places a strong emphasis on education and would not want to compromise children's education through longer school closure.

Kumar says the decision to open schools or any other decision on schools will be made based on scientific data and advice from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, WHO and UNICEF with whom the Ministry is liaising very closely.

She went on to say that she also expects the media to be responsible and report accurately rather than negatively hyping issues that are not relevant.

Kumar adds at this time, in particular, we all need to come together and ensure that correct information reaches the public, teachers, parents and students.

She stresses that every citizen has to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of those around them.

The Minister emphasised that everyone should observe COVID-Safe measures at all times and get their booster shots as soon as possible.

She adds parents are encouraged to get their children fully vaccinated.