Govt to seek Health Ministry advice on need to test all students for Covid-19

 

The government is sticking to its decision that Covid-19 swab tests are only mandatory for students who show symptoms of the virus before they are allowed to return to their hostel or sit for examinations.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in saying this today, added that they would still seek advice from the Health Ministry (MOH) if there is a need to change the policy.

"At this juncture, we stick with the decision that only students with symptoms of the virus are required to do a swab test before they return to their respective hostel or campuses.

"Because if it is compulsory for every student, it will involve costs. Are the parents going to be made to bear the costs? All this we have discussed.

"We do not want to burden parents and MOH is also of the view that there is no need to swab every student and focus only on those who show symptoms.

"Those who are healthy, no symptoms, maybe for MOH there is no need for them to be tested. However, since there have been cases, we will refer to MOH for further decision," he told a press conference today.

Ismail, who is the senior minister in charge of security, was answering a question on whether Putrajaya would review its decision to make Covid-19 screening necessary for students who are returning to their places of study.

This came as a spike in Covid-19 cases among students were reported recently across several states as education institutions reopened. - Mkini