Radrodro: Options on table for students missing exams

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says his ministry will consider options for students who have missed external examinations due to the ongoing viral outbreak affecting the country.

Responding to concerns, Mr Radrodro said the ministry needed to gather full details before making a formal announcement.

“I’ll have to get into the details of that, how many students are involved,” Mr Radrodro told this masthead today.

“Because I think, what I have to confirm regarding the examination, if they are unable to sit due to sickness or due to other things that will prevent them from sitting for the examination, we will have to get the full details before we make a formal announcement to them.”

Mr Radrodro said there was more than one option available for affected students.

This comes as health centres nationwide continue to record a surge in acute respiratory infection and influenza-like illness cases.

Health ministry continues monitoring

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed the ministry was continuously monitoring the number of cases across all divisions.

“We found out that there has been an increase in numbers of acute viral illness or flu-like infections,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

He said the ministry was taking necessary precautions and raising awareness to the general public.

Dr Lalabalavu said awareness had been put out for schools, and that it is the responsibility of the school to ensure students presenting with flu-like illnesses were isolated or sent home.

“For now, like any flu-like illnesses, usually it affects people who have comorbidities or elderly,” he said.

“What I can say is that as we treat, more people are recovering.”

The viral outbreak is attributed to common circulating Influenza virus types A and B, which are easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing and contact.

The ministry has advised people to maintain adequate hygiene, present themselves early for treatment, and stay home if sick.

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