In an update to citizens and residents here on Nevis, the Ministry of Education has said the “situation at the Charlestown Primary School (CPS) is still being closely monitored.”
Last Wednesday, the Ministry issued a release following reports of “issues” at the School, which was closed for two (2) days (Mar. 5th and 6th) as a result.
According to the Ministry, “in light of this, a representative from the Bureau of Standards was at the Charlestown Primary School on March 9th, to test for the presence of mold.”
Based on the visual inspection by the officer, there were no signs of mold on the compound. Further scientific testing was conducted by the Bureau of Standards, the Ministry said.
The aim of this was to ensure that there are no environmental factors which may negatively impact the staff and students at the school. Classrooms where there were no complaints of illness were also tested by the Bureau. Samples were sent to Miami.
In addition, the Ministry has opted to “err on the side of caution and await the official results from the tests”, although deep cleaning was done to remove potential pathogens.
Therefore, the Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2 classes at CPS will remain closed until the results arrive. Preventative measures will be put in place to ensure that classrooms at the Charlestown Primary School are continuously cleaned and sanitized. All schools will be placed on an ongoing cleaning schedule.
