By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE reward is much greater than risk as it relates to the opening of physical school scheduled for February 7.
All secondary school pupils are expected to return to school on that date.
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh on Wednesday justified his support for the Ministry of Education’s decision to open schools for pupils regardless of their vaccination status.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual media conference, Deyalsingh said the decision was a wise one.
He said, “The Ministry of Health fully supported the Minister of Education and by extension the Cabinet that in a return to normalcy when you weigh the risk versus reward, children should have access to schooling. This is a global position.”
Deyalsingh listed the benefits to children by the decision which includes, socialisation, nutrition and forming friendships. Parents also stand to benefit, he said.
“Some children for two years now don’t know who their peers are in school. That is not a good thing,” he said.
The minister said during the pandemic every time a sector is opened, there will be risks but the ministry made a wise decision by advising the Ministry of Education to expand the opening of secondary school to pupils in the lower forms.
