The Minister of the Environment and Housing wishes to advise the public, and teachers in particular, that on returning to work the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health must be observed which include wearing face masks, maintaining a minimum distance of six (6) feet between persons, frequent washing hands and using hand sanitizer.  Persons in the high risk category are to remain home.

Concern has been expressed on how buildings, offices and classrooms are to be cleaned prior to persons returning to work.  The Department of Environmental Health Services has issued special guidelines on this subject:

1. If the facility was closed for 7 days or more, there is no need to implement a special COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting exercise as current evidence suggest that the SARS-COV-2 virus does not survive on surfaces longer than this period
2. Normal, routine cleaning is required prior to reopening
3. Custodial staff should be reengaged to carry out required cleaning and disinfecting in preparation for occupancy
4. The Department of Environmental Health Services is providing special training for custodial staff
5. Frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, railings, telephone receivers, countertops, handles, desks, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks should be cleaned and disinfected often
6. Custodial and maintenance staff should document any health and safety concerns

The Ministry of the Environment and Housing and the Department of Environmental Health Services takes the threat of COVID-19 seriously and urges the public to be cautious.  It is necessary for essential workers to return to their jobs as a matter of urgency.