At least two major Maltese primary and secondary schools have issued statements to parents and staff announcing the temporary closure of their educational institutions.

Both St Edward’s College and San Anton School have communicated to parents and/or staff about changes to this week’s schedule. MCAST has also rolled out new measures and postponed their larger events, as well as halted guest lecturers from abroad.

1. San Anton School will be closing down for a period of 15 days.

In a letter sent to staff and parents, the COO of San Anton explained that beyond the shut down of the school, alternative methods of providing lessons were being looked into.

“We will be closing San Anton School as of Monday 16th March for a period of 15 days or until further notice. We have already successfully tested the possibility of distance learning provision with our students on self-quarantine over the past two weeks and have plans in place to implement those and other strategies,” the COO said.

Parents of those who are on quarantine can send a relative to pick up their books tomorrow, the families were advised.

2. St Edward’s College announced it would be bringing holidays forward.

St Edward’s college headmaster Mr Nollaug Mac an Bhaird made the announcement this morning just one day after mandatory quarantine was announced by the Maltese government and preventative measures to inhibit the spread of the COVID-19 virus are rolled out. 

“After lengthy discussions with all stakeholders of our SEC community I am informing you that we will be changing the dates of our holidays,” Mac an Bhaird said.

“We are taking tomorrow, Friday, March 13th, Monday March 16th and Tuesday March 17th as holidays. These days will be either made up for as school days on our Easter break or the start of summer break.”

3. MCAST has postponed its larger events and is offering support services to students affected by the outbreak.

The Graduation event and the Talent Show have been postponed, and all international travel related to lecturer work has been cancelled. International guest lecturers have been postponed as well.

While the canteen will remain open on MCAST grounds, students are being advised to buy their food or drink products and leave the canteen, and not sit there.

All hand sanitizers are being replenished on campus, and no lectures have been cancelled as yet, thought MCAST authorities have said the situation is developing hour by hour.

If any new updates are to be given, students will be notified immediately. Until then, support services have been helping students who have been affected by the outbreak.

“We are an international community here, and it’s not just about protecting our students’ health but also ensuring we do not make anyone uncomfortable.”

The schools’ decision comes as Maltese businesses and companies begin implementing work-from-home policies amid a national effort to minimise the spread of the virus.

The Malta Employer’s Association has even called for a five-day shutdown in Malta this month to inhibit the chances of more Maltese people being infected. Just this morning, another two confirmed cases of coronavirus were found on the island.

4. St Michael’s School also closes its doors

St Michael’s also closed its Kindergarten, Junior and Senior Schools until further notice.

Students have been told to take their school books with them between today and tomorrow. In the case of those children who are absent, parents are invited to collect the school books between today and tomorrow, during school hours.

“May we draw your attention to the fact that whilst the schools are on shutdown, the students’ interaction is to be kept to a minimum. The aim of shutting down schools is to mitigate the spread of the virus – going on with life, as usual, will defeat the purpose of this shutdown.”

“We appeal to parents and students alike to closely follow all directives issued by the Authorities,” they said.

What do you think of these new measures?