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Social distancing reduced to 3-feet for VI schools

Following guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control for a 3-feet reduction in social distancing guideline, the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has implemented the same requirements for schools in the territory. Photo: VINO/File
The announcement was made by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement released last evening, April 8, 2021. Photo: GIS/File
The announcement was made by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement released last evening, April 8, 2021. Photo: GIS/File
Deputy Premier and Education Minister, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) had said on March 18, 2021, that he was going to propose to Cabinet to reduce the social distancing in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Education Minister, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) had said on March 18, 2021, that he was going to propose to Cabinet to reduce the social distancing in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Following guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control for a 3-feet reduction in social distancing guideline, the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has implemented the same requirements for schools in the territory.

The announcement was made by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement released last evening, April 8, 2021.

“With regards to schools, we have reduced the distancing in the classrooms from six feet to three feet to now allow most of our students to return for face-to-face instruction,” he said. 

Hon Fahie noted that students would still have to observe all protocols, and this is in keeping with the advice of international and local health officials.

CDC guidelines implemented in the VI 

On Friday, March 19, 2021, the CDC reduced its social distancing guidelines in school settings from 6 feet to 3 feet as long as masks are universally used.

The change according to CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, is supported by science and could help Governments advance their goal of opening up more schools to in-person learning.

"CDC is committed to leading with science and updating our guidance as new evidence emerges," Walensky said in a statement.

More students can return to classroom

Deputy Premier and Education Minister, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) had said on March 18, 2021, that he was going to propose to Cabinet to reduce the social distancing in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet.

“…and we will propose 3 feet in the classroom, which will allow most if not all of our students to be able to return to the classrooms,” Dr Wheatley had said on the VIP Let’s Talk radio show on ZBVI 780 AM

Due to the social distancing measures, which have made space an issue in schools, there has been a blended approach to learning in the Virgin Islands, where some of the classes are conducted online.

Noting that there are many other COVID-19 protocols that have to be observed in schools, such as mask-wearing, sanitisation, social distancing during break-time, lunch and at the playgrounds, Dr Wheatley said the only way further relaxation of the protocols can come about is if the VI community embraces vaccinations.

Dr Wheatley had admitted that he is no fan of vaccination but had, nevertheless, been vaccinated against COVID-19.

15 Responses to “Social distancing reduced to 3-feet for VI schools”

  • Follow the lead head looking arrrsee (09/04/2021, 19:17) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lol smh we need a leader like John Magufili (Tanzania President) to guide us, can’t wait to hear how much country is bankrupt when all is said and done but thank you for keeping us safe from a 0.3% deadly virus
  • Tadow (09/04/2021, 19:20) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    You like some dam puppets.
  • 1st District (09/04/2021, 19:25) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    What ah fuxx different tape measure!! Set ah sheep!!
  • Always was about three feet (10/04/2021, 05:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    So now wat make it safe all asunden for us to be in 3 feet than 6 that this virus cant be caught and spread....for we know vaccine not that reason so why all asunden....someone please give more ligth on this seem to me this was a hoax
  • trrefdrfds (10/04/2021, 05:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There worst than the innocent sheep like lamb to slaughter there are sole participants of this agenda..we were all sold by them our governments for the price of rice there new what happened and wat there was consciously doing u all heard any of these community groups leaders organizations voice any of there concern on this particular issue since it began...like churches..red cross rotaey.lion clubs. none and if only of surport of the its ignorance...not even an individual peap out to give warning...none the most was a few came out half voicing indirect mumbling try force words out there lips like there so afraid of WHO.....
  • This mr wealthy now (10/04/2021, 05:43) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Think we is Johnny come lately....buh he is no fan of vaccine but he still got vaccinated....al asunden so now u ain't a fan .because u see it coming from the people in the next general election..mah boy u done dig u grave ....we had a lot of trust and faith in u ...the people..but guest for the price of rice u trade it off ...mr wealthy now u cant eat your cake and still have ...I as one of those believers in u see that now ...your fire of true passion for these virgin islands like the late honorable noel lyold that once possessed is burnt out ....
  • Tell us (10/04/2021, 05:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    When are our Public Schools children returning to school like their Private Schools counterparts?
    • yes we (10/04/2021, 12:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Want to know if the student of the private schools are vaccinated like u stipulated to us of our kids being vaccinated to attend and attain a education....mr weathly
  • ok (10/04/2021, 06:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    So is the Government now following CDC guidelines, or just some guidelines?
    If following CDC guidelines then we can open to vaccinated people without testing or quarantine.
    Why are we choosing to follow some CDC guidelines and not others? Just stupid.
  • musa (10/04/2021, 06:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad what our world going through the supreme lord promises that he will take care of his servant notting to be afraid of because notting is permanent this world not even covid19 .and then the supreme lord said used your intelligence.
  • Disappointed in Education Leadership! (10/04/2021, 08:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most classes set up was already at 3ft to accommodate half the students! The practicality of this makes no sense as classrooms are very small! So what are you implying two third of the students return for face to face instruction and the next third would remain home until it is their turn? Students are split evenly already and each school has its own functionality! Please make your decisions based off of the practicality of the make-up of your schools’ environment and stop making decisions based off of outside influence! If school is open for full face to face instruction for all students, please come out and say so! You know, I know, parents know and students know the classrooms 6ft apart was difficult to apply and in some cases it could have never been applied! Please show leadership using wisdom!
  • Rubber Duck (10/04/2021, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That will make all the difference.
  • Setta Frauds (10/04/2021, 11:06) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    The whole corona virus is a set up to also cover up lies that shows sign of the mark of the beast..they just trying to capture as many souls to go hell with them but I say Fire Burn All Evilness..
  • malone (10/04/2021, 12:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    U .............time longer than twine
    • Yes (10/04/2021, 14:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      There got a special jab for conspirators like u .....take easy ..for he deceive all


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