PHILIPSBURG--Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performance Arts (CBA) was closed for deep-cleaning on Wednesday after a student tested positive for COVID-19 and other students and teachers reported flu-like symptoms, Education Minister Melissa Gumbs said.
Gumbs said school director Silveria Jacobs informed her by phone at 6:30 am Wednesday that, as a precaution, she had decided to close the school for the day to allow for deep cleaning and sanitization.
“I want to take this moment to commend Ms. Jacobs for her swift action on this matter,” Gumbs said during Wednesday's Council of Ministers press briefing.
Gumbs said the closure had caused concern among parents, but that she had checked with the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) and other medical experts.
According to Gumbs, CPS is currently managing COVID-19 cases in the same way as other flu cases, with symptomatic people advised to stay home.
She also said COVID-19 vaccines remain available through CPS for members of the public who wish to receive them. Gumbs wished the student a speedy recovery and a swift return to classes.
