All face-to-face learning stopped

The administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has officially shut down all face-to-face learning in both private and public schools as well as the Northern Marianas College—with the exception of the special education program.

Speaking at a radio news briefing last Friday, Torres said that, as recommended by the COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., it was decided that it would be best to shut down face-to-face instruction until further notice, given the recent spread of COVID-19 in the community and the recent surge in the number of cases on Guam.

“The task force, CHCC, and I have been working on, over the last several weeks, preserving the health and safety of students, families, teachers, administrators and staff. All public and private schools in the Commonwealth shall remain closed for in-person instruction and activities until further notice,” he said.

Once the CNMI is able to sustain and determine exactly where it is at with the current cases and how widespread the community transmission is, then reopening of face-to-face learning will be discussed again, Torres added.

In addition to the shutdown of face-to face learning, school buildings, including administrative offices, shall also be closed to the public, except for employees or contractors necessary to conduct operations, facilitate instruction, distribute materials and equipment, or perform other necessary in person administrative or maintenance functions in order to provide continuity of learning for schools.

However, press secretary Kevin Bautista said the administration still permits and encourages both private and public schools and NMC to facilitate alternative modes of education, such as distance learning through online means.

“The task force is well aware that several schools have already initiated online learning, which is a positive thing. But, of course, given the news of the presence of community spread here in the CNMI, being proactive in terms of keeping the community safe, we want to be able to ensure that there’s still a continuity of education and learning within the CNMI. So online education will continue uninterrupted. But we’re still putting a stop on normal in-person instruction,” he said.

Bautista said that, although face-to-face learning is prohibited under the new directives, the administration has made an exception for PSS’ Special Education program.

“PSS, through its Special Education program, may be permitted to allow in-person structure for students with special needs, subject to review and approval of operational plans and inside assessment to ensure access for students with special needs who may need particular face-to-face attention…to help them with any type of learning,” he said.