Some teachers are questioning the rationale behind the education ministry’s announcement that only students preparing for exams should attend face to face classes.

The announcement came today that schools should focus on students preparing for exit exams at grades 6, 11, 12 and 13.

However many schools were already allowing only upper school students to engage in face to face sessions.

One teacher argued that grade 10 students should also be allowed to attend classes, as they too are slated to sit exams.

Another teacher questioned if consultation was done before the ministry made its decision.

And, speaking during a post cabinet press briefing this morning, minister of education Fayval Williams revealed that some 400 schools have been approved for face to face classes, with 300 of them using that modality.

She added that up to February 21, about 41 schools reported a positive or suspected case.

Some 47 students have contracted the coronavirus, while 23 members of staff have contracted the virus.

Mrs. Williams said the changes are important and will help to prevent further spread of the virus.