THERE have been no deaths reported among teenagers aged 16 to 18, said Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today, in giving his assurance that Form Five and Six pupils are ready for classes tomorrow after three months of school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of today, the number of positive cases among those aged 18 and under comprise 1,712 cases, or 19.9% of all cases. 

Of the figure, 346 cases involved teenagers between 16 and 18 years old.

“However, there have been no deaths or cases of any patient from this group being warded in intensive care units (ICUs). 

“This indicates that this age group exhibits strong resilience to Covid-19.” 

Noor Hisham said the reopening of schools will be guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) that prioritise the health and safety of pupils and school staff. 

Pupils facing major examinations, such as the SPM and STPM, are the first batch to resume physical classes tomorrow.

Noor Hisham said temperature checks will be done for everyone entering the school, with those recording 37.5⁰C and above barred from entering the premises.

Students will be reminded to maintain personal hygiene by washing their hands often and to maintain social distancing of 1m, including when lining up to buy food at the canteen during recess.

Depending on availability of space, class capacities are not recommended to exceed 20 students.
 
All outdoor activities, such as co-curricular activities, are still barred.

“Therefore, students who are returning to school can be confident of doing so without any doubt and anxiety,” said Noor Hisham. 

“Parents are also reminded to make sure their children comply with the guidelines. Cooperation between parents, pupils and school staff is important to ensure there are no transmissions of the Covid-19 infection in schools.” – June 23, 2020.