Public schools are expected to re-open next Monday – if public health targets allow.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, said the Education Emergency Measures Committee had met yesterday and the plan would be confirmed when David Burt, the Premier, outlines the proposed move to Phase 2 of a gradual return to normal life tonight.

Mr Rabain said: "Provided the intended public health targets are met, school is intended to open for in-person instruction on May 10.“

He added: "In preparation, the EEMC met to discuss revising the Covid-19 guidelines that have been in place since September 2020, to include a saliva screening strategy."

Mr Rabain said: "This strategy will enable weekly self-administered saliva screening to be available for all schools, both public and private.

“The screening is non-mandatory – however, regular saliva screening will help us to identify risks and keep our schools safer."

Mr Rabain said he hoped parents and teachers would appreciate the important role saliva tests could play in allowing the population to move “beyond this pandemic”.

He added more details of the test programme would be sent to parents this week.

Private schools, also scheduled to return next Monday, have also signed up for the screening process.

Mr Rabain said: "As the proposed screening process will not start until school returns and we look forward to returning to in-school instruction on Monday, we seek to do it as safely as possible and encourage all students, parents, and school staff to get tested."

There is free, self-administered saliva testing available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Penno’s Wharf in St George.

The tests are also available on Tuesday and Thursday at Star of India in Dockyard from 10am to 3pm.

Mr Rabain told the public: "Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

“Follow public health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app.

“Do the research, talk with your doctor, and make an informed decision about getting the Covid-19 vaccine."

The EEMC is made up of education ministry officials, unions, the Department of Health, a representative of the private schools and MPs.

Test appointments can be booked at https://bdagovcovid.resqwest.com/web/.

Information and public health guidelines are available at www.moed.bm/District/Portal/covid-19-information.

Questions about Covid‐19 should be e-mailed to schoolsurv@gov.bm and public health guidelines are listed at https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus.