There is a phased reopening of schools starting today, November 3.

The Education Ministry, in a post on its social media page, indicated that approximately 50 per cent of schools will be opened today.

It explains that repairs and assessments are moving quickly for the remaining schools.

Several schools were damaged, others were being used as shelters and teachers and students are among the thousands left homeless or marooned following the passage of Hurricane Melissa last Tuesday.

Reports are that regional directors are communicating with principals on the resumption of classes. However, communication remains a challenge in some parts of the country.

A few schools have no electricity or water and it is expected that principals will make their decisions based on their school’s situation. Principals will communicate directly with their teachers, students and parents.

Schools in Kingston and St. Andrew, Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Catherine and Clarendon are expected to reopen.

The Ministry’s post said that for schools not yet ready to reopen, hybrid and remote learning solutions, including temporary learning spaces and printed learning kits, will be implemented to ensure learning continues.