Ensuring kids stay safe following spike in Covid-19 cases


Safety first: Tan helping preschoolers to sanitise their hands before the start of a class at the Junior Scholars Kindergarten in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: With the spike in Covid-19 cases, kindergarten operators are reminding staff members and parents to observe the stringent standard operating procedures (SOP) put in place to protect the children.

“We have our own SOP and preventive measures for our staff and children.

“So we’ve sent out a memo to all parents informing them of the extra measures to be taken, and that all children need to mask up at the centre,” said Junior Scholars Kindergarten principal Christine Tan.

Parents, said Tan, were told not to send their kids to the centre if they were unwell, and to get immediate treatment.

“Our staff members have also been told to wear masks during working hours.

“For the children, masks are not compulsory, but they are advised to wear them,” she added.

However, she observed that most parents would send their children to the centre with the masks on.

The centre has about 90 children, aged between four and six, with 15 staff members including teachers.

“Children will have their temperature taken daily and if they fall sick during class, their parents will be summoned to take them back home.

“Our staff sanitises the premises daily,” she said.

Tadika Day Star principal Lit Peng Khoon said so far, none of her charges had tested positive for Covid-19 although a few came down with flu and fever.

On Dec 18, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government would not consider reimposing the movement control order, but urged people to increase their vigilance.

The Health Ministry said 20,696 cases were reported nationwide from Dec 10 to 16, an increase of 62.2%.

A total of 28 deaths were also recorded, while 151 patients had been warded in intensive care, with 96 requiring breathing assistance.

Most fatalities were those aged over 60 (85%) and patients with chronic illnesses (93%), with the death rate at 0.1%, Dzulkefly added.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Penang govt looking to strengthen autism support network, state assembly told
Insolvency reform more than just managing failure, says Azalina
Govt studying implementation guidelines for badal haj services
Melaka polls: PH pledges early lease extensions, youth contracts
Malaysia's defence policy is to protect itself, not attack others, says Khaled
There are better words than 'Dajjal' to use in opposing CSA, Azalina tells Hadi
UOB Malaysia equips more than 13,000 students with digital and AI skills through new flagship programme
'Not today', Shafee says of Najib settling RM50mil fine
Bipartisan CSA key to passing AG-PP separation amendment, says Azalina
Independent board formed to oversee MediAsas ahead of January rollout

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read