That was Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Education, et. al, Ms. Zahnela Claxton sending out an urgent message as a highly contagious flu circulates at the start of the new term.

The annual post-holiday surge in illness often leads to widespread absences among students and staff when children attend school while unwell.

Parents are being reminded that children showing flu-like symptoms including fever, severe cough, sneezing, or runny nose, should not return to school until they are well. Claxton stressed that sending ill children into classrooms puts the entire school community at risk.

Persons are asked to carry out prevention measures such as proper handwashing with soap and water, regular sanitization of surfaces, healthy diets rich in nutrients, adequate sleep, and avoiding the sharing of personal items like water bottles and utensils.

Ms. Claxton also addressed an ongoing issue and is urging parents and guardians to promptly collect their children if the school reports illness.