Public schools in Marianas to return to campus

8:56 am on 25 March 2021

Schools are set to return to campus in the Northern Marianas as authorities look to have a Covid-19 outbreak under control.

School materials in CNMI

School materials in CNMI Photo: CNMI Public School System

Public school students on Saipan are scheduled to return to campus next week following the small cluster of Covid-19 transmission that appeared earlier this month.

Eleven cases had emerged from the first community case in over 200 days.

The CNMI Public School System announced last Monday the return to blended learning starting 29 March, which is a mix of in-person classes and online instruction.

Public School System (PSS) said the safety of their staff and families was a high priority and they would continue to monitor any community spread that impacted the students.

The Marianas' lone community college resumed its face-to-face classes on 22 March.

Students were told to notify the college if there were other reasons that may prevent them from participating in face-to-face classes.

Students aged 16 and over had also been encouraged to take the Covid-19 vaccine.

PSS said schools would ensure daily sanitising of classrooms, enforce social distancing indoor and outdoor, conduct temperature checks, and implement face mask requirements.

Northern Marianas College reminded its students that while on campus, they must observe all safety protocols, including wearing a mask at all times, keeping socially distant and practising proper hygiene.