Paediatricians: School reopening guidelines need strengthening


Tables and chairs in a classroom at a secondary school in Selangor, Malaysia, arranged to adhere to social distancing measures. Schools nationwide are preparing to reopen in stages amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. — NORAFIFI EHSAN/The Star

On June 3, 2020, Malaysia's Education Ministry released SOPs designed to control the spread of Covid-19 when schools re-open. As paediatricians and childcare specialists, we would like to offer our comments on the guidelines.

In sections five and six of the document, the measures can be summarised as follows:

> Temperature screening and symptom checks before entry into school.

> A one-way movement plan for the flow of pupils.

> No assemblies and activities involving large numbers.

> School premises to be cleaned before and after each school session.

> A 1m space between students in class (with 20 students in the average classroom).

> Students encouraged to eat breakfast at home, bring lunch from home, not share food, and eat in the classroom during recess. Canteen operators must provide only packed food.

> Mask and isolate students who develop symptoms.

> General training suggestions for students, staff, cleaning contractors and canteen operators.

> Provision of soap in canteens, toilets and prayer rooms.

> Students using buses or vans to be kept one seat apart.

> Teaching and learning to be done in classrooms as well as at home for some students.

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education , schools , Covid-19

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