The Ministry of Education in Jamaica came up with a three-level alert response system to limit the Coronavirus outbreak.
Alert response system to fight off Coronavirus outbreak
The Ministry of Education in Jamaica launched its emergency protocol for educational institutions as a response to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus in different continents worldwide. The alert response system is made up of three alert levels that are aimed to protect students from natural disasters and virus outbreaks such as what is happening today.
The Ministry of Education called the alert response system as Education in Emergencies (EIE). Thee alert system will help improve strategies and response preparedness in cases of calamities and natural disasters.
Three levels of awareness
The alert response system has been classified into three different levels, each with a corresponding objective in addressing emergency situations.
Level 1- At level 1 or Green level, Memos and bulletins are spread into schools and universities to help disseminate information on the problem at hand. Guidelines are included in the bulletins on how to perform precautionary measures in order to control a situation. In the case of the COVID-19, educational institutions within a certain distance fro quarantine facilities are prioritized and duly informed with the actions they should partake.
Level 2- At level 2 or Amber level, bulletins are being updated to heighten awareness. Schools are also provided with at least $30,000 budget to spend on sanitizers, hand soaps, and disinfectant sprays for campus usage. Parents are also encouraged to let children with flu-like symptoms to stay at home, to reduce the risk of infecting other students or worsen the child’s condition.
Level 3- Highest level or Red Alert level, the Ministry of Education will cancel all physical classes from happening in schools, and will, in turn, facilitate online classes to continue the lectures and learnings. Basically, all physical interaction will be prohibited, and some schools might go to the extent of providing tablets for the students to participate in online lectures.
Internet service providers might also be contacted by Education officials to provide free data services during the duration of the Red alert status. All national exams and school calendar activities will also be on hold as long as necessary. As of now, Jamaica has confirmed that there are zero cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Featured image by Loop Jamaica
