Preschool closes as cases detected among paediatric population

The Ministry of Health has ordered Simmonds Preschool closed following the detection of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the educational facility’s paediatric population.

The school will be closed 14 days.

“A full assessment was conducted on the 29th of June, after which we quarantined the primary contacts. On Thursday, July 1, we returned after reports of symptomatic children and another confirmed case. Based on the assessment, we erred on the side of caution and closed the school to reduce transmission and facilitate decontamination,” Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald Georges reported.

“We also spoke to parents today regarding the situation and provided information on best practices moving forward,” he added.

A media release from the Ministry of Health said both parents and children will be required to self-isolate for 10-14 days with daily monitoring being carried out by a Public Health Officer.

The ministry further said testing will be scheduled within 14 days. However, persons developing symptoms such as a headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, dry cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of taste, smell or appetite are advised to immediately contact the Public Health Unit at (284) 468-4936, (284) 468-2274, (284) 468-2285 or the Medical Hotline (284) 852-7650 for guidance.

“I want to reiterate to the community the importance of following the established protocols and guidelines. Reducing your risk of contracting COVID is as simple as washing and/or sanitising your hands, wearing masks properly, physically distancing and covering coughs and sneezes regardless of your vaccination status,” Dr Georges said.

The BVI currently has at least 91 active cases of the coronavirus.