Schools reopen

The Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) have decided that it is safe for most schools to reopen today.

However, the MOE and ODPEM jointly cautioned that schools located in areas which were badly affected by the weather should evaluate whether the compounds will be safe for children and teachers.

Schools, especially in rural communities, were also encour-aged to assess accessibility for students and teachers.

"The weather is improving," said MOE spokesman Colin Blair.

"Where it's fine that schools should reopen, they should evaluate and make that decision."

List of schools

Although unable to provide a comprehensive list of schools that will undoubtedly remain closed, Blair noted that the Donald Quarrie High School in St Andrew will not reopen before Monday.

Schools that may be flooded, inaccessible or being used as shelters are not being recom-mended for reopening.

Schools being used as shelters are Shiloh Basic School, Ensom City Primary, Old Harbour High, Bog Walk High, Spanish Town Primary and Clifton Basic School in St Catherine.

The Holy Rosary Primary School, Dunoon Technical High School, St Michaels and Sandy Park basic schools are being used as shelters in the Corporate Area

Holland High School, in Trelawny, Eldin Basic School and Little London, Savanna-la-Mar, and Peggy Barry primary schools in Westmoreland are the other schools in use.