The Ministry of Health and Social Development is notifying the community that Simmonds Preschool will be closed temporarily for 14 days following the detection of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in the pediatric population.

“A full assessment was conducted on the 29^th of June, after which we quarantined the primary contacts. On Thursday July 1, we returned after reports of symptomatic children and another confirmed case.  Based on the assessment, we erred on the side of caution and closed the school to reduce transmission and facilitate decontamination,” Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges reported. “We also spoke to parents today regarding the situation and provided information on best practices moving forward.”

Both parents and child(ren) will be required to self-isolate for 10-14 days with daily monitoring being carried out by a Public Health Officer.  Testing will be scheduled within 14 days however, persons developing symptoms such as a headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, dry cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of taste, smell or appetite should immediately contact the Public Health Unit at 468-4936, 468-2274 or 468-2285 or the Medical Hotline 852-7650 for guidance.

“I want to re-iterate to the community the importance of following the established protocols and guidelines. Reducing your risk of contracting COVID is as simple as washing and/or sanitising your hands (~20 seconds), wearing masks properly, physically distancing (>3ft) and covering coughs and sneezes regardless of your vaccination status,” Dr. Georges admonished.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.