The Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] is “closely monitoring the most recent wave of Covid-19 cases in some schools” and said that “in the event that this current wave is not arrested and cases continue to rise” they “will be seeking more comprehensive action, which will include the possibility of a return to remote learning.”
Over the past few days, the Government has issued advisories about potential Covid-19 exposure in six different schools; Purvis Primary, Devonshire Preschool, Paget Primary School, Whitney Institute Middle School, Northlands Primary School, and Dellwood Middle School.
A spokesperson said, “The BUT is closely monitoring the most recent wave of Covid-19 cases in some schools; with a keen eye toward the safety and health of our members, students, and school staff.
“We have been in conversation with both the Ministry and Department of Education, and the Health Department [through the Education Emergency Measures Committee – EEMC] to strongly suggest a proactive approach to this threat; as we do, very much, perceive anything that can potentially affect the health of our members as a threat.
“We believe it absolutely essential to meet this threat head on, and we will continue to demand open, timely communication from the above mentioned entities as it pertains to safety and health protocols in the event that cases continue to rise in our various environments. This is something we will not negotiate on; our members, students, and other school staff are too precious to put at undue risk.
“The EEMC met yesterday to discuss the current situation, and we left the meeting with a cautious optimism that the plan moving forward will, with close attention from the Health Department, keep our members, students, and school staff safe at school for the foreseeable future. We expect details of the plan discussed to be released by the EEMC in due course.
“In the event that this current wave is not arrested and cases continue to rise, however, we will be seeking more comprehensive action, which will include the possibility of a return to remote learning.
“As always, the safety and health of all our school citizens is our highest priority, and we will not allow our members to be put in harm’s way.
“Communication from the Ministry of Education and Department of Health needs to be better in regards to school quarantine protocols, and they must demonstrate that they have a steady pulse of what is going on in relation to Covid-19 in every school.
“We are trusting the competence of the Health Department at this time, but we will not hesitate to act in the best interest of our members, as well as the wider community, if the situation does not start to improve soon.”
