The island’s schools will open as planned today (Tuesday).Education Minister Julie Edge this morning urged pupils and teachers to take lateral flow tests before they go to school.She was unable to say how many teachers might be off because of the virus.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture released a statement in the wake of surging Covid-19 infections.

Yesterday, official government statistics showed that active cases topped 2,600.

Face-to-face teaching will continue.

Schools and the college will continue to have what the department calls ’proportionate mitigations’ in place to reduce the risks of Covid-19.

Attendance continues to be compulsory, with all staff and visitors, and all secondary school and UCM students, expected to wear face coverings in school buildings. The wearing of face coverings is mandatory on public transport, including school buses.

Students will also be encouraged to follow increased hygiene measures, with handwashing and sanitation facilities continuing to be made available in schools. Students will be asked to keep the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance in mind while learning.

The DESC says classrooms and corridors will continue to be as well ventilated as possible, and students and staff will be asked to dress appropriately for the time of year as temperatures may be cooler than usual inside.

Everyone in the island is currently being asked to take regular lateral flow tests (LFT) at home.

A department spokesman said: "We would ask that anyone attending an educational setting on Tuesday, January 4, takes an LFT prior to attending. Any students or staff who receive a positive Lateral Flow test result should isolate immediately and submit the results of their test online.

’If any student feels unwell or develops any Covid-19 symptoms, they should not attend school but stay home, notify their school and follow the latest public health advice.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education Sport and Culture, said, ‘Making our educational settings as safe as possible for our staff and students, and maintaining face to face learning both for the immediate and longer-term remain our key priorities.

‘We continue to work closely with Public Health and will regularly review the measures and recommendations to give our young people the best chance to fulfil their potential.’

However, the department’s statement adds: ’It is important to note that the situation remains fluid and the department has contingency plans prepared to deal with any eventualities.

’The department will respond quickly to any changes to government advice and asks that if parents have concerns they should speak to their headteacher in the first instance.’