The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica NPTAJ wants the government to review the decision on face-to-face classes and to postpone any plan to resume team sports.

President of the NPTAJ Mitzie Harris Dillon says the group is deeply concerned about the spike in  COVID 19 cases registered over the last 3 to 4 days.  For the last four days, the number of new COVID 19 cases surpassed 2 hundred.

The group adds that the concern of parents is even further heightened against the background of ongoing face-to-face classes,  plans to allow team sports to restart and increased discussions on the organizing of the Boys and Girls Athletic Championships.

The Parent-Teacher Association says it shares similar concerns on the issue of public transportation and the greater risk of transmission, as well as the greater risk of exposure to the virus in the education sector based on the comorbidities of students, teachers and/or their family members.

the NPTAJ says its position on the matter was expressed to the relevant authorities on previous occasions.  The group wants the government to place greater focus on connectivity and devices for students, to facilitate full engagement in the online environment.

It also wants the ministries of Health and Education to test all school staff – teachers, administrative and ancillary workers- and at least 50% of students before contemplating face-to-face interactions.