Covid-19: Face mask use encouraged at schools, says Deputy Minister

TAIPING: 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, says Wong Kah Woh.

He 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 Ministry of Health (MOH) regarding our methods or SOP, to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he told reporters at the ‘Semarak Taiping’ programme here on Sunday (Dec 31) night.

The Deputy Education Minister said this when asked what steps the government would take in the event of an outbreak of Covid-19 in schools, following the current development of cases in the country.

On Dec 29, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a statement, said 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.

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Asked if the 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 Tuesday (Jan 2).

Meanwhile, regarding school uniforms, Wong said thus far the 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 flooding.

"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.

On May 20, the Education Ministry did not set a time frame regarding special permission for students, teachers and members of the implementation group in all its educational institutions to wear appropriate sports attire during the hot weather which occurred at that time, with its Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, saying that special permission depends on weather conditions.

Meanwhile, on the ‘Semarak Taiping', Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) 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. MPT will host a total of 150 programmes this year in conjunction with the anniversary. - Bernama