The Henry L. Kimelman Library at Antilles School. Photo Credit: ANTILLES SCHOOL
ST. THOMAS — Antilles School has sent half of its students into virtual learning sessions after a teacher tested positive for the coronavirus, with the school's communications director, Ananta Pancham, telling the Consortium Monday evening that a thorough contact tracing effort was initiated by the V.I. Dept. of Health. Ms. Pancham also spoke highly of the school's own protocols which include mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. Such actions have allowed the institution to keep the remaining students on campus.
The Consortium was contacted by an individual who was concerned that the school was not taking the matter seriously enough, while questioning D.O.H.'s contact tracing strategy in this instance. Ms. Pancham, however, disputed the claim and said the contact tracing effort by the Dept. of Health was properly performed, and that school officials had taken steps to quell any potential spread.
"It was a multi-tiered response. We have very strict protocols on campus. All students and teachers have to wear masks at all times, and we do observe social distancing," Ms. Pancham said. She said students in the 8th-12th grades were sent home to learn virtually and that a date had not been set for their return to campus. Students in the 6th and 7th grades were allowed to stay, along with those in lower grades.
Ms. Pancham said school officials participated in a lengthy call on Friday with the V.I. Dept. of Health, a meeting she described as "extremely thorough".
"Not only was it considered a non-exposure, they were very satisfied with our continued protocol and vigilance," she said, speaking of D.O.H.'s response to the school's safety efforts. "And they also didn't recommend that anybody be quarantined. The teacher remains on quarantine." Ms. Pancham said the incident was classified a non-exposure because of the mandatory mask rule on campus.
The positive Covid-19 case was the first since Antilles opened with an in-person/virtual learning hybrid in August. Ms. Pancham said the outcome so far is owing to the school's careful and strict Covid-19 guidelines.
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