With schools out early for mid-term break, Public Health officials are encouraging local camps and those hosting sporting events to observe all the necessary protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19.
On Friday, the department issued COVID-19 safety guidance for camps and sporting events reminding parents if a child is sick, “please keep him or her at home and contact the Flu Hotline if he or she has any flu symptoms”.
Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, medical officer of health, in a statement on the guidelines said, “in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no ‘zero risk’ when it comes to any kind of public gathering; however, guidelines can be followed to mitigate the spread of the virus”.
He said Public Health recognises that during this period of extended time away from school, parents may seek to have their children participate in extracurricular activities to occupy their time safely and wisely.
On Wednesday night, Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly announced the decision to have government schools across Grand Cayman begin mid-term break early, as the number of students testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of staff in isolation relating to those cases increased.
John Gray and Clifton Hunter High Schools closed from Thursday, 7 Oct., and primary schools on Grand Cayman will close for their mid-term break on Monday, 11 Oct.
On Friday, First Baptist Christian School also announced it would start mid-term break from Monday, as more students tested positive for COVID-19.
The Public Health guidelines for youth activities also include:
- Close contact or indoor sporting activity is discouraged; however, wearing a mask, playing outside and staying at least 6 feet away from others must be considered.
- For close contact sports (i.e. basketball, football, netball), play can be modified by the coach to increase distance between players. Activities such as skill building (dribble, pivot), simulation drills or conditioning is highly encouraged.
- Discourage unnecessary physical contact, such as high fives, handshakes, fist bumps, or hugs. Encourage a ‘thumbs up’ instead.
- Use household cleaners that contain soap and detergent on play/sporting equipment to reduce the amount of germs on surfaces.
- Focus cleaning efforts on high-touch surfaces and objects such as drinking fountains, balls, bats, gymnastics equipment and protective gear.
Williams-Rodriguez, in his statement, acknowledged the anxieties and many uncertainties parents are facing during this time.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that their safety remains a top priority as we continue to adapt best practices to mitigate continued spread of COVID-19 in our community. We encourage everyone to adhere to the public health guidance provided,” he said.
For further guidance on coping with COVID-19 in the community, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2632 or visit www.exploregov.ky/coronavirus-resources
If you have flu symptoms, contact the Flu Hotline on 1-800-534-8600 or 345-947-3077or at [email protected]
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