SCHOOLS are looking to reinstate the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of the virus when school reopens next week.

Malaysia Chinese Schools Headmasters Association vice-president Chew Eng Hock told The Malaysian Insight face masks would be made compulsory and regular reminders would be issued for schoolgoers to wash their hands.

“If there is a rise in cases, the school can take more drastic actions, like asking parents to take their children’s temperatures before sending them to school,” he said.

On December 18, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced five measures to address the escalating Covid-19 situation, including early detection of confirmed cases and the reinstatement of TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform, seek).

He said data showed the main cause of the current surge was the Omicron variant.

While acknowledging the spike in cases, he reassured the situation was under control and has not burdened the healthcare system.

Malaysian Kindergarten Teachers Association president Sally Ng, however, was not convinced.

She said her association was mulling a proposal to establish weekly self-tests for students after schools reopen.

“We are aware of the high risks students are exposed to during the holidays,” she said.

Ng said if the proposal was adopted, parents must have their children tested for Covid-19 before school.

The Education Ministry has issued directives to all schools to implement preventive measures before students attend classes again on January 2.

The guidelines detail the preparation of isolation rooms for symptomatic or infected students to undergo isolation or self-testing.

Staff involved in the process would be required to wear personal protective equipment and practise physical distancing.

Students who test negative would be allowed to resume normal activities, but were advised to wear a face mask and avoid crowds. – December 30, 2023.