New guidelines state unvaccinated teachers must be present when schools reopen, but still may not teach face-to-face

PETALING JAYA: Teachers who have yet to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, as well as those who do not intend to take it, must still be present when schools reopen as per Education Ministry guidelines.

The same applies to schools’ implementation group members (anggota kumpulan pelaksana or AKP), according to the ministry’s latest guidelines titled “School Management and Operations Under the New Norm 3.0”.

The guidelines, issued on Friday (Sept 24), state that partially or non-vaccinated teachers and AKP will still not be allowed to teach face-to-face.

They must, however, be present in school to ensure that the ministry's guidelines and instructions are complied with.

“They must always wear double masks and face shields, and must not be in the same room or area with students or school staff who are fully vaccinated.

“Support service providers must ensure that only fully-vaccinated employees are on duty at schools,” the guidelines stipulate.

The guidelines include the new standard operating procedures (SOP) announced on Sept 12 by Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

On Sept 3, Radzi said the ministry and the Public Service Department were discussing possible action against teachers who do not want to be vaccinated.