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.

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!
education , schools , Covid-19

Next In Letters

Half-step on UEC leaves Madani govt hit from both sides of divide
Doubts on integrity of carbon offsetting initiatives
Role of influencers still sits in grey area of the law�
Residents want closure, not another inquiry
Response on the parliamentary select committee’s proposed visit to Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo in Japan
Small dietary changes can have significant benefits�
Adapting our lifestyles to suit the current realities
Government should focus on reducing wasteful spending�
Parliamentary reform: Correcting the balance of power
Amend rules to help consumers claim tribunal awards��

Others Also Read