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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