GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jun 11, CMC – The Guyana government Wednesday denied reports that three children from a primary school situated close to the bank of the Demerara River had contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a statement, the Ministry of Education it had been made aware of the reports aired on a local media house regarding the students testing positive and that the ministry had failed to respond to requests for fumigation and risk mitigation.
“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that this report is false,” it said, noting that following a direct inquiry, the head teacher at the school “has confirmed that there are currently no reported or confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the students or staff.
“No official report of illness has been submitted to the Department of Education or the Ministry,” the ministry said, adding that “this misinformation not only causes unnecessary panic but also undermines the trust and confidence of the public in our education system.
“The Ministry strongly condemns the dissemination of inaccurate and misleading information, especially when it concerns the health and safety of our children.”
It said it wanted to reassure parents, teachers, and the general public that the ministry remains vigilant in its monitoring of public health conditions in all schools and that ‘there are clear and active protocols in place for handling any suspected cases of illness, including immediate collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
“Schools are regularly sanitized, and any situation that may pose a health risk is addressed promptly and transparently,” the ministry said, adding it remains committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all students and staff across the country.
“We urge all media outlets to verify their information before publication and to act responsibly in the public interest,” it added.
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