Coronavirus precaution shuts Samoa Primary
The Samoa Primary School at Vailele has shut its doors due to fears that a staff member was associated with the woman who has become Samoa's first suspected case of coronavirus.
While the rest results are being awaited, the school closed its gate on Friday due safety concerns for staff and students.
The announcement was made by the school on its Facebook page, addressed to all parents/caregivers of its students.
According to one of the Samoa Primary School principals, Anne Leauga, she said that extending the closure of the school depends on the Government’s decision to close all schools.
The school announcement added that closing the school was a result of hearing from one of our parents who lives at Letogo that a member of their staff has a sister who had been hospitalised and tested for COVID – 19.
“This news was given to us at 2 pm on Thursday,” the school's announcement reads.
It also added that the relative of the suspected case was immediately spoken to by a member of Management and she was told to go home and stay home.
“The decision was made to close the school on Friday 20th March.
“Advice has been sought from the Ministry of Health as to what procedures to follow. If the COVID – 19 virus test for the patient is positive all staff members will self-isolate. In light of this, our school will remain closed.”
The school’s management has organised for teachers to put together two weeks of work for all classes including preparatory.
“These kits can be collected from the Office from Tuesday 24th March.
“The School Secretary will be in the Office from 9.00 a.m. -1.00 p.m. on that day (Tuesday 24th March) for parents/students to sign out two weeks work.
“Only the students who have paid Term 1 fees are entitled to the package of two weeks work. All completed work by the students can be dropped off at the Office on Friday 3rd April or Week 1 of Holidays, (5 – 10) for teachers to mark. Please ensure that these are labelled clearly and organized duly.”
The school also added that if the closure continues after the two week holiday, from 4th April to Monday 20th April, teachers will work on four weeks of work for students and this will be made available online under the ‘Moodle” programme.
“Parents will need to come and pay Term 2 Fees before it is submitted.
“If any parents/caregivers do not have access to the internet or equipment to access information, please phone the office in good time to allow us to make a hard copy for your child/children.
“We wish all our parents and children safety and good health in the upcoming weeks.”
Samoa Primary is the second school to have closed as a result of Samoa's first suspected case of coronavirus. Maluafou College was the first school to shut its gates on Thursday, given the connections to the first suspected case.
Elsewhere, Le Amosa School at Vaitele has closed its gates.
St. Mary's Primary School has also announced that there will be no school next week due to safety precautions.