TCI: Teachers test positive for COVID; Minister doubles down on testing requirement of Educators

#TurksandCaicos, April 27, 2021 – The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands made a decision to reopen all primary and high schools in the country, due to the successful rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccination program and adherence and enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols across the islands. We have also recently seen a significant sustained decrease in the number of active cases and positivity rate. To this end, the Ministry of Education has implemented various measures to ensure the health and safety, not only of our students, but also our teachers under revised health protocols.

One of these measures was the mandatory testing program for unvaccinated teachers. Unfortunately, it has come to my attention through the Ministry of Health, that there has been significant non-compliance of the mandatory testing by some teachers.

The last report we received, highlighted over 100 unvaccinated teachers at the schools in Providenciales, yet only 79 persons presented themselves for testing. We have received reports of teachers leaving the school compound or failing to attend work to avoid getting tested. This means that there has been a clear refusal of some teachers to abide by the government issued mandate. This refusal puts our students and other staff members at risk to the exposure of the COVID-19 virus on a daily basis.

Following recent testing, we have received information from the Ministry of Health, that two teachers, one from the Thelma Lightbourne Primary in Long Bay and the second from the Louise Garland High School, formerly known as Long Bay High School who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health has made contact with these individuals, advised of their status and commenced the necessary contact tracing. Both schools will be closed on Monday, April 26th for continued sanitization and lessons will be administered online during such time.

Teachers, we have safe and effective vaccines available. We strongly encourage our teachers to consider taking the vaccine, although it remains a personal decision. A growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are potentially less likely to spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Although sessions have been held with our teachers surrounding COVID-19, we continue to encourage our teachers to consult their healthcare providers so that they can make an informed decision about their health status. Teachers, if you choose not to take the vaccine, please present yourselves to the staff of the Ministry of Health during the mandated weekly schedule at your school. To the unvaccinated teachers, the mandatory testing is essential for you, as it keeps you aware of your COVID-19 status.

The Ministry of Education looks forward to receiving the full cooperation of our teachers and their continued adherence to the protocols issued by the Ministry of Health. Your actions today will help keep yourselves, other staff members and our children safe and healthy. As always, we wish to thank you for the dedication to our students, the public service and the country as a whole.