TAIPING: The standard operating procedures (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19 in schools and educational institutions issued last April by the Education Ministry (MOE) are still applicable, says Wong Kah Woh.
The Deputy Education Minister said the SOP involved encouraging the use of face masks for teachers and students.
School staff members must also self-test if they have symptoms and maintain personal hygiene.
“However, we know that the issue of Covid-19 may change from time to time.
“The MOE will always discuss and collaborate with the Health Ministry (MOH) regarding our methods or SOP to prevent the spread of the virus,” he told reporters at the Semarak Taiping programme here on Sunday night, Bernama reported.
He said this when asked what steps the government would take in the event of an outbreak of Covid-19 in schools.
On Dec 29, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the situation in the country remained under control.
He said most cases involved mild symptoms and did not require treatment in hospitals, adding that no new variants had been detected.
Asked whether the MOE would temporarily close schools affected by the spread of Covid-19, Wong said the ministry would handle each case carefully.
He said the MOE would seek advice from MOH for further action if the situation were to become serious.
Wong added that matters related to SOP would be finalised after discussions with the MOH.
He said the MOH would continue to monitor the issue and the situation would be assessed after schools reopen (on Jan 2).
Regarding school uniforms, Wong said the MOE had not made a decision on the time frame on the relaxation of sportswear in schools nationwide.
He said although the weather was back to normal now, there were still several schools on the east coast affected by the floods.
“We at MOE always adhere to the principle of humanity where we want to give our students comfort in their learning. For us, the content of learning is more important than other issues,” he said.
On May 20, the MOE did not set a time frame regarding a 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.
Its minister Fadhlina Sidek had said the special permission depended on weather conditions.
