NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry is encouraging the use of face masks in all schools to curb the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza-like illness (ILI), not only among students but also teachers and school staff.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry has aligned its current guidelines or standard operating procedures (SOPs) with the Health Ministry, which include preventive measures covering health care, safety, and hygiene among the school community.
"At the same time, the ministry is closely monitoring this situation. We have reminded the directors and the Education Ministry’s senior leadership in all states to implement the measures outlined under our guidelines.
"These guidelines, together with the Health Ministry’s recommendations, serve as a reminder to conduct monitoring, implement preventive steps to maintain health, safety and hygiene, as well as encourage mask-wearing in schools,” she told reporters here on Saturday (Oct 11).
Fadhlina, who is also Nibong Tebal MP said this after officiating the Byram Estate resettlement project here, which was launched by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Fadhlina said while influenza cases have been detected in schools, the situation is under control, with continuous monitoring being carried out among both students and teachers.
She said her ministry has urged all school administrators to remain vigilant and ensure full compliance with the established SOPs to contain the outbreak and safeguard the well-being of the school community.
"We will continue to monitor our students and teachers. We are aware that the school community is large, so attention must be given not only to students’ safety but also to that of teachers. Once again, we remind administrators to take precautionary and safety measures to prevent further spread in accordance with our SOPs,” she also said.
Commenting on the possibility of school closures if influenza cases continue to rise, she said any such decision would only be made after all preventive measures have been implemented.
"According to the the ministry’s SOPs, we will only consider closure after all the required preventive steps have been taken and complied with, as these measures must first be followed to ensure we can control the spread of infection,” she added.- Bernama
