Schools in Jamaica have been placed on notice that they could be closed, following the news of a second imported case of coronavirus disease on the island.

This will affect approximately 500,000 students.

“A non-Jamaican who arrived on the island from the United Kingdom (UK) was confirmed with the virus by health authorities, yesterday

“Prime Minister Andrew Holness, at an emergency press conference at Jamaica House yesterday said Cabinet has approved a protocol for the closure of all schools but that the institutions have not yet received a directive, as there is still need for further consultation.

“However, he said this “consultation” was more a matter of notifying all involved, such as parents, to give everyone time to make necessary arrangements”, according to a report in the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

“Additionally, further decisions are to be made around the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and CSEC examinations, the prime minister said. He said the Government endorses and supports the actions of those tertiary educational institutions which have already taken the decision to suspend classes.

“Meanwhile, the UK could join the list of countries for which Jamaica has issued travel restrictions, the prime minister indicated.,” The newspaper reported.

“Cabinet spent an extensive period of time discussing travel restrictions related to the United Kingdom, and the Government is actively reviewing the extent of travel restrictions related to the UK.

  “Municipal councils and the police have been instructed not to issue any permits for events for the next 14 days, and those which have already been granted are to be revoked. He also called on the civic conscience of private entities, including churches, to bear the risks in mind at this time, and to use other means of congregating where possible,” the Observer reported.