Jamaica schools closed until after Easter

Jamaican PM Andrew Holness
Jamaican PM Andrew Holness

(Jamaica Gleaner) Prime Minister Andrew Holness has extended the time for schools to remain closed until the end of Easter, as the Government maintains measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The announcement came yesterday evening at a press conference at Jamaica House where the prime minister gave details on new measures taken by the Government as part of plans to combat novel coronavirus infections locally.

Educational institutions were ordered closed from March 13 for at least 14 days.

In a story published in The Gleaner last week, principal of Old Harbour High School, Lynton Weir, suggested that schools proceed on the Easter and summer breaks should COVID-19 sweep Jamaica.

“If it runs very long, greater conversation will have to take place with the Ministry of Education and also the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. Probably the best thing to do is … to resume school June 1,” Weir said in an interview.

He pointed out that the school year was 190 days, adding that depending on how long the virus runs, “We’re gonna lose a lot of school days.”