Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong has revealed that schools will be a safe zone for students who will not be mandated to get vaccinated but they will be encouraged to take the jab.
He highlighted this when questioned by Legend FM News on what will happen to those students who do not get vaccinated when schools open again in the country.
Dr Fong says the re-opening of schools is not predicated on mandatory vaccination for the children however they will keep encouraging students to get vaccinated even after school resumes.
He says what we need to do is vaccinate everyone over the age of 18 years and they are currently carrying out an audit for schools to identify all the poorly ventilated spaces.
Dr Fong also says indoor masking will be made mandatory in schools.
Meanwhile Permanent Secretary for Education Anjeela Jokhan says they are working closely with the Ministry of Health so they can safely bring our year 12 and 13 students back to school.
Jokhan says all school staff who interact with students will also be vaccinated as the school will act as an extended bubble for students.
She is urging students between the ages of 15 and 17 to get vaccinated for their safety and the safety of their friends.
Jokhan adds they are using all resources at their disposal to ensure that this program is safe, accessible and is the best option for the students to return to school. She says more information on the vaccination roll out will be released in the next couple of days.
