Covid-19 testing has been arranged for staff and students of Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy and Success Academy, the Ministry of Education said.

A spokeswoman said: “The Ministry and Department of Education remind staff, students, parents, and guardians that all schools will continue with remote learning until further notice.

“As we are seeking to open all Government Preschools, Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, and Success Academy Robert's Avenue for in-person learning, we have arranged Covid-19 testing for all staff and students of these schools.

“On Monday, September 13, these schools will open remotely and between 10am and 3pm staff and students are encouraged to get tested. All staff and students will be contacted by their respective schools with further instructions for Monday's testing.”

The spokeswoman added: “The collection methods will be saliva and buccal swabs for students under the age of 6 and students with special needs. You are reminded not to eat, drink, or chew gum 30 minutes before your test.

“Once results are received and all data is assessed, a further update will be provided to outline if the transition from remote to in-person learning will be possible.

“All other public schools are advised that testing will be scheduled specifically for their school staff and students. An announcement on the schools, dates, times, and locations will be forthcoming. Until this has been scheduled, we encourage staff, parents, guardians, and students to wait rather than visiting a public testing site.”

The Minister of Education, Diallo Rabain, said: "Many parents have asked whether the testing is mandatory. Although at this time testing is not mandatory, we are seeking the co-operation of staff and our parents to ensure that staff and students get tested so that we can make decisions about whether to continue with remote learning, in-person learning, or a combination of both.

“We also want to reduce the potential for staff and students to transmit the virus to others, and the testing data will enable us to do this."

"We want to ensure that our schools are a safe environment and can remain open for in-person learning. It must be remembered that individual behaviours profoundly affect others within a school and can cause quarantines and closures.“

* This story amends a previous version.