Eleventh Statement From The Ministry Of Health and Department Of Education On Confirmed COVID-19 Cluster

Collaboration with the Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of a positive COVID-19 cluster in the Anguillian community. In light of the Ministry of Health’s active investigation, the Government of Anguilla has issued a 14-day Stay at Home Order for all non-essential workers commencing at 11:59PM on Thursday, 22nd April, 2021. The Ministry and Department of Education will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure we are kept abreast of all recent developments regarding the coronavirus. All efforts will be taken to ensure that we maintain a healthy and safe environment for our teachers, support staff, students and stakeholders.

Alert Stage 3
There are 4 Alert Stages. Given that there is now a confirmed cluster within the community, Anguilla has moved to Alert Stage 3. This means that ALL educational facilities will be physically closed for the stipulated period, but will continue to operate remotely. There should be no face-to-face interaction between students and teachers of public, private and private assisted schools for the stipulated period. Instead, students should remain at their homes and login to their respective virtual classrooms.

Parents should ensure that their children have been equipped with either a username-password combination or their respective class codes prior to the transition to remote learning to guarantee a seamless transition. Parents and teachers should report any problems with connectivity or inability to access E-learning devices to the Department of Education via email at [email protected].

Teachers are advised that remote instruction should follow the E-learning schedule previously established.

E-Learning Assistance
Technical Assistance is available from the Department’s E-Learning Team. For technical assistance at the primary level email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] during the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Technical assistance at the secondary level may be obtained through the messaging feature on the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School’s Facebook page or via email at [email protected] .

Good Hygiene Practices 
Good hygiene practices will continue to be a priority at all levels as this is the best way to minimize the potential spread of Covid-19. These practices include:

• Cleaning surfaces regularly
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your nose and mouth with tissues
• Properly dispose of used tissues in a bin or bag immediately
• Wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) often
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid mass gatherings
• Physical distancing of 3-6 ft
• Mask wearing where physical distancing cannot be maintained

Conclusion
The Ministry and Department of Education assure all stakeholders that every effort has been, and will be made, to ensure the safety of staff and students.

This information will be updated by means of official release as the Ministry and Department of Education continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to actively monitor this situation.