CNMI public schools to reopen August

4:45 pm on 30 June 2020

Public schools in the Northern Marianas plan to open at the end of August, after five months.

Education commissioner Alfred Ada said the low number of Covid-19 cases in the territory had him receptive to the idea of reopening earlier than expected.

Education Commissioner, Dr Alfred Ada

Education Commissioner, Dr Alfred Ada Photo: Mt Carmel School

The Northern Marianas Public School System was now planning to start the 2020-2021 school year at the end of August.

With the CNMI transitioning to community vulnerability Level Blue, Education Commissioner Dr Alfred Ada was initially lukewarm to a September opening.

But the islands' low number of Covid-19 cases and the government's successful efforts in flattening the curve had made him reconsider.

While schools are set to reopen, it would not necessarily return as it was pre-Covid-19 days.

The system was eyeing a mix of virtual and in-class instruction to follow the government's social distancing measures.

It is also looking at the partial reopening of schools with students coming in staggered cohorts.

Part-time nurses are to be hired to take the temperature of students, faculty, and school staff entering campus.

School materials in CNMI

School materials in CNMI Photo: CNMI Public School System

Meanwhile, the CNMI administration said returning residents who were concerned about quarantining in a small house where social distancing may be impossible, could opt to be quarantined at the Kanoa Resort in Susupe free of cost.

This comes after the CNMI government announced new quarantine procedures for passengers arriving from off-island.

Tourists with current certificates showing they were coronavirus negative don't need to quarantine, but those who don't would have to pay $US400 a day to quarantine at a hotel (including food) plus $US300 for testing.