GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs announced Wednesday morning that the Charlotte Brookson Academy was closed for the day as a precautionary measure after a student tested positive for COVID and other students and teachers reportedly began experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Gumbs said she received a telephone call at approximately 6:30 a.m. from Charlotte Brookson Academy Director Silveria Jacobs, who informed her of the positive case and the additional reports of illness within the school community.
Jacobs, acting as the competent authority for the school, subsequently decided to close the institution for the day to allow for a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the premises.
“I want to take this moment to commend Ms. Jacobs for her swift action on this matter,” Gumbs said.
The Minister acknowledged that the closure caused concern among some parents and said she sought additional information from Collective Prevention Services, CPS, and other medical professionals before providing a public update.
According to Gumbs, CPS advised that COVID cases currently being encountered are being managed in a similar manner to other flu-like illnesses, with symptomatic persons encouraged to remain at home.
Gumbs also relayed advice she received that the COVID strain currently circulating is not considered as severe as strains experienced during the earlier stages of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
The Minister stressed that the information was being shared to provide reassurance to parents following the sudden closure and concern surrounding the reported case.
She also noted that COVID vaccines remain available through CPS for members of the public who wish to receive them.
The closure was therefore described as a precautionary step intended to give the school an opportunity to properly clean and sanitize the campus before students and staff return.
Gumbs extended well wishes to the student who tested positive.
“To the student, wishing you a speedy recovery and a swift return to your classes,” the Minister said.
The Ministry is expected to continue monitoring the situation in consultation with the school and the relevant public health authorities.
