October 8, 2020 at 10:49 am
False information regarding positive cases in schools – MUT requests action
The MUT this morning raised its concerns with the Ministry for Home Affairs, Law Enforcement and National Security, Ministry for Health and Ministry for Education and Employment about the false information being issued regarding COVID-19 cases in schools. The MUT stated that it is aware that there is a lot of speculation and as the union representing the majority of members in all sections, it is highly concerned about the damage that is being done to educators, students and families. This without mentioning the psychological impact on educators, students and families and the unwarranted chaos when parents leave their respective workplaces in panic to pick students from schools following the issue of such ‘news’.
The MUT, as a professional organisation, has never made any public statements about cases and we will clearly not join this charade of speculators. The closing of schools in March, and their re-opening during these days, has been a struggle and the preparatory work by educators to re-open schools is unprecedented. The MUT, whilst doing its duty to protect educators, has worked hand in hand with the Education and Health Ministries during this difficult period. The MUT stated that it is with this spirit that it has requested the concerted efforts of the various Ministries within government to stop this speculation and to take the necessary actions to safeguard the interest of educators, students and families who have the right to attend schools without fear.
Meanwhile, the MUT reminds members that instead of speculation on social media, the MUT has requested that the government creates a clear and consistent official policy known to all regarding information about positive cases in schools. The MUT expects the government to have its communication procedures in place to inform affected educators, students and parents immediately and to ensure that all respective health measures are taken right away.
