Minsa could reassess return to blended classes in Schools amid rise in COVID-19 cases
The decision to start blended classes on May 31 is in "places where there is no COVID-19 or it is very well controlled," said Luis Francisco Sucre.
"In places where there is an increase in COVID-19 , we will have to eliminate the possibility of opening schools to prevent further infections," as was announced by the Minister of Health of Panama (Minsa), Luis Francisco Sucre.
This, if there is a possible increase in the incidence of COVID-19 cases in regions where 100 schools are already certified for the start of blended classes on May 31.
"This evaluation is in conjunction with Meduca and the Presidency, we continue to evaluate permanently, there is nothing written here and if the pandemic has shown anything, it is that the reopening must be gradual and the decisions will not be the same for all provinces, regions or districts. The decision is that the schools that can be opened are in places where there is no COVID-19 or it is very well controlled," said Sucre.
He maintained that every week the Panamanian president, Laurentino Cortizo, is presented with the progress of the country, "the last word is the President and is seen in conjunction with Meduca.
The head of Health warned "if in the areas where the opening is planned there are no cases of COVID-19 that alarms him, the opening may occur, if there is an increase or cases begin to appear where there were not then we have to endure the opening of those schools until we achieve control again”.
The list published by Meduca includes 4 schools in the Coclé region, 7 schools in the Colón region, 4 schools in the Emberá region, 3 schools in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, 5 schools in the Darién region, 11 schools in the Herrera region, 11 schools in the Los Santos region, 11 schools in Central Panama, 10 schools in Panama East, 8 schools in Panama North, 22 in Panama Oeste, 3 in San Miguelito and 1 in Veraguas.
In accordance with the Executive Decree that establishes the conditions that educational centers must meet for gradual return, the blended classes will be gradual, progressive, flexible and safe, in accordance with the biosafety aspects of each center and taking into account the guidelines of the 2021 school year.
Among the conditions that schools must meet are the formation of the Covid-19 School Committee, have a biosafety protocol adapted and implemented, establish and implement the safe return plan, according to the reality of each educational center, preferably educators. and administrative personnel have been vaccinated and have the consent of the parents, guardian or guardian.
In addition, it is established that the use of a uniform will not be mandatory.
This, if there is a possible increase in the incidence of COVID-19 cases in regions where 100 schools are already certified for the start of blended classes on May 31.
"This evaluation is in conjunction with Meduca and the Presidency, we continue to evaluate permanently, there is nothing written here and if the pandemic has shown anything, it is that the reopening must be gradual and the decisions will not be the same for all provinces, regions or districts. The decision is that the schools that can be opened are in places where there is no COVID-19 or it is very well controlled," said Sucre.
He maintained that every week the Panamanian president, Laurentino Cortizo, is presented with the progress of the country, "the last word is the President and is seen in conjunction with Meduca.
The head of Health warned "if in the areas where the opening is planned there are no cases of COVID-19 that alarms him, the opening may occur, if there is an increase or cases begin to appear where there were not then we have to endure the opening of those schools until we achieve control again”.
The list published by Meduca includes 4 schools in the Coclé region, 7 schools in the Colón region, 4 schools in the Emberá region, 3 schools in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, 5 schools in the Darién region, 11 schools in the Herrera region, 11 schools in the Los Santos region, 11 schools in Central Panama, 10 schools in Panama East, 8 schools in Panama North, 22 in Panama Oeste, 3 in San Miguelito and 1 in Veraguas.
In accordance with the Executive Decree that establishes the conditions that educational centers must meet for gradual return, the blended classes will be gradual, progressive, flexible and safe, in accordance with the biosafety aspects of each center and taking into account the guidelines of the 2021 school year.
Among the conditions that schools must meet are the formation of the Covid-19 School Committee, have a biosafety protocol adapted and implemented, establish and implement the safe return plan, according to the reality of each educational center, preferably educators. and administrative personnel have been vaccinated and have the consent of the parents, guardian or guardian.
In addition, it is established that the use of a uniform will not be mandatory.