Digital rendering of the structure of COVID-19 (coronavirus)  (PHOTO: CNN)

|Ramon Gordon

The Ministry of Health has announced that it will provide primary and secondary schools with grants, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000JMD, to procure hygiene products to help stem the spread of bacteria.

In a release, the ministry revealed that primary schools will be reimbursed by March 6, 2020, while reimbursement for secondary school will be sent in the fourth tranche of the Regular Grant
that is due in April 2020.

Schools are encouraged to use the funds to purchase hand sanitizers, hand washing soap, Lysol and hand towels.

The move is in response to growing concerns re the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Though there have been no reported cases in Jamaica, the Ministry is urging Islanders to be proactive, through the practice of good hygiene. School Administrators are being encouraged to establish online spaces to facilitate communication and sharing of learning materials especially for students who are ill. Educators
are being asked to prepare subject matter content in electronic form to share with parents and students where necessary.

Coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens that can make humans and animals sick. They cause illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases.

Jamaica’s response to COVID-19 is happening on two fronts: actions to minimize the risk of exposure among the local population and actions to enhance the capacity of the public health
system to manage patients in the event that there are cases.

These efforts include imposed travel restrictions to include five countries: China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, and Iran. Border patrol have also been increased and quarantine facilities have
been established.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. As of March 4, 2020, COVID-19 has claimed over 3000 lives.