‘If we close the schools today, will the situation be any different in two weeks?’

Faced with a wave of criticisms over the decision to keep schools open despite an upsurge in cases of COVID-19 on the island, Education Minister Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun had this to say:

“If we close the schools today, will the situation be any different in two weeks?”

She was replying to questions as she walked out of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, where her election and that of her fellow constituency MPs (PM Pravind Jugnauth and ex-Commerce Minister Yogida Sawmynaden) are being challenged by defeated Labourite Suren Dayal.

The education minister, Defi Media reported, spoke of a “new normal”, while conceding that there are some hurdles ahead. She reportedly asked school officials to be “extra vigilant” and ensure that students are safe at school.

“From the outset, the measures were taken with the best interests of the children in mind,” she said, before adding: “We’ll need to adapt to the situation.”

Over a dozen schools are reportedly closed for disinfection after positive cases of COVID-19 were detected among students and teachers.