Region Ten schools equipped with sick bays and nurses

Several secondary schools in Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten) are now fully equipped with sick bays and nurses, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This initiative is a collaboration between the Region Ten Regional Democratic Council and the Ministry of Education.

Speaking with DPI on Monday, Regional Health Officer, Mr. Gregory Harris said the decision to equip schools with on-site access to health services was to reassure parents that their children are safe at school during the pandemic. 

“We are trying our best to provide oxygen with the presence of a nurse to each school, which will then facilitate a rapid response just in case there is some emergency at the school. This will help us to tighten the gap in the Region while paying close attention to the students,” he said.

In keeping with the measures implemented by the Education Ministry for the reopening of schools on November 9, schools in Region Ten have been upgraded with additional handwashing stations, hand sanitising dispensers and other amenities. 

“We are in a good position since there is no shortage of medication or any resources at the moment. This is all thanks to the Ministry and its effort to support the Department to ensure that our young people will be safe and healthy, even with the Region’s recent spike in cases,” he said.

Schools reopened to classroom interaction for senior secondary and Technical, Vocational Education and Training students. Schools closed after Guyana’s first Covid case on March 11, as part of national efforts to curb transmission of the disease.