SEA students won't have to wear masks for exam

Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) students will not have to wear masks during the August 20 exam.

In a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said his ministry had told the Ministry of Education that students would not need masks to sit the exam.

He said physical distancing would be required and only invigilators would be asked to wear masks.

In May, Minister of Education Anthony Garcia announced CXC and CAPE exams will begin on July 13. He said proper hygiene, guidelines for cleaning and sanitisation and signage with covid19 information are part of the ministry’s plans to protect all teachers and students.

There are also policies being developed to screen students and teachers entering the school’s compound. Additional soaps and sanitisers will be made available on request. The ministry has allocated $6 million for the sanitisation of schools and the procurement of thermal scanners to monitor the temperature of anyone entering school grounds.

CXC/CAPE students will not be required to wear masks either.

Over the last two weeks, Garcia visited several schools to have a first-hand look at measures implemented to protect students and staff. He said all schools should be properly sanitised in time for the reopening to facilitate these exams.