Covid-19: Masks encouraged in schools - deputy minister

The standard operating procedure (SOP) related to curbing the spread of Covid-19 in schools and educational institutions, issued last April by the Education Ministry, is still applicable, said Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. 

Wong said that the SOP involved encouraging the use of face masks for teachers and students, in addition to school staff having to do self-tests if they have symptoms and always maintaining personal hygiene.

“However, we know that the issue of Covid-19 may change from time to time, and the ministry will always discuss and collaborate with the Health Ministryregarding our methods or SOP, to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he told reporters at the Semarak Taiping programme in Taiping, last night. 

He said this when asked what steps the government would take in the event of an outbreak of Covid-19 in schools, following the current spike of cases in the country. 

On Dec 29, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said in a statement that the situation remains under control, with most cases reported involving mild symptoms and not requiring hospital treatment, and no new variant of Covid-19 has been detected in the country.

Asked if the Education Ministry will temporarily close schools affected by the spread of Covid-19, Wong said that the ministry will handle each case carefully and seek advice from the Health Ministry for further action if the situation becomes serious.

He said matters related to the SOP would be finalised after discussions with the Health Ministry, as it will continue to monitor this issue, and see what happens after schools reopen (on Jan 2). 

Meanwhile, regarding school uniforms, Wong said thus far the Education Ministry has not discussed the matter, and no decision has been made on the time frame for the relaxation of sportswear for schools nationwide. 

He said that, although the weather is back to normal now, there are still several schools on the east coast affected by floods. 

“We at the Education Ministry always adhere to the principle of humanity, where we want to give our students relaxation and comfort in their learning. For us the content of learning is more important than other issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Semarak Taiping, Taiping Municipal Council president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir in his speech said that Jan 20, 2024, will mark the 150th anniversary of Taiping town, which was established through the Pangkor Treaty in 1874.

The council will host a total of 150 programmes this year in conjunction with the anniversary.

- Bernama