Contact tracing for President’s College students starts

The Ministry of Health has started contact tracing for the eight President’s College (PC) students who have contracted COVID-19.

Minister Hon. Dr Frank Anthony made this disclosure earlier today.

“We have already initiated that process of contact tracing the areas from which the students came.  We have informed the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) who in turn have been working with their staff to conduct tracing in areas where these students came from,” he said.

Dr Anthony also told DPI that an additional 40 students were tested yesterday.  Those results were expected today.

On Monday, Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand announced all students attending dormitory schools will be tested for COVID-19 as part of the Government’s efforts to ensure students’ safety. Minister Manickchand explained that statistically, with more tests being done, there will be students testing positive for the disease.

The Ministries of Education and Health have been collaborating to ensure all protocols are followed in the event that a student contracts COVID-19. Once a student tests positive, they would be placed into isolation until they have recovered.

On Tuesday, Minister Manickchand consulted with the PC non-resident students and their parents on measures which will ensure the safety and wellness of the students.

To further reduce the risk of transmission at PC because of students entering and exiting the college daily, a proposal was made for non-resident students to move in or to transfer to a secondary school closest to their homes. Students who choose the first option will have to undergo a COVID-19 test.