COVID-19: MOE, schools have adapted well to new normal

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) and school administrations have adapted well and done their best to comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Checks by Bernama found that in line with the new normal, body temperature checks were carried out before entering the school compound, while physical distancing was also observed accordingly during class and break times.

These were among new practices that students have had to adapt to when schools were allowed to reopen in stages beginning June 24.

Commenting on the new normal, MOE secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof said the ministry would ensure that all schools nationwide complied with the guidelines provided.

Speaking to Bernama, he said the schools have been instructed to conduct the sanitisation process at classrooms, laboratories, dining rooms, dormitories and other areas to protect students and school staff from the pandemic.

He said the disinfection was focussed on surfaces often touched and at heights that could be reached by hands, such as doorknobs, light switches, sinks and faucets.

He said, however, schools were not classified as public places that could be accessed by the public without permission in accordance with the Interpretation Acts 1948 and 1967, therefore, wearing facemasks in school was not mandatory.

 "But we always encourage students to wear facemasks at schools. The school’s administration must provide face masks to students with symptoms, and isolate them in sick rooms while waiting for their parents or guardians to take them home.

"The school must ensure that students with low immunity always wear a facemask while they are in school.

Meanwhile, Zuraini Eusope, 51, a teacher from SK Marian Convent Ipoh, Perak, said all the school staff including teachers and students were responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the school’s vicinity and did not merely rely on the cleaners.

She said the last teacher teaching the morning or afternoon session would use disinfecting liquid to sanitise strategic areas in the classrooms to ensure it was clean for the next session.

"Students are also taught to wash their hands properly using soap or disinfectant liquid. Teachers are constantly reminded to maintain personal hygiene and classroom cleanliness at all times," she added.

-- BERNAMA