The Ministry of Education issued an advisory today, informing stakeholders and parents with students in public schools that remote learning will continue from January 5 to January 12, 2021.

A spokeswoman said: “The Education Emergency Measures Committee (EEMC) will meet during the week of January 4th to determine any adjustments that will be made as of January 13th, 2021.

“The Department of Education has received feedback from parents and guardians of young children who may not have adequate childcare arrangements and cannot work from home during remote learning. Health Department guidelines and constraints now preclude the Department of Education from offering any programmes for children during this time.

“As a first resort, affected parents and guardians are urged to reach out to their family support network for assistance,” she added.

“The Department is engaged in conversations with employer groups and are pleased that they too empathize with the plight of affected parents and guardians and are willing to be supportive within the confines of existing employment legislation and collective bargaining agreements.

“We urge affected parents to also approach their employers and discuss their specific challenges. Likewise, we would urge all employers to consider all options that would meet the needs of their employees at such a challenging time.”