A TOTAL of 376 educational institutions in Johor Baru have been ordered to close for two weeks.

The Education Ministry in a statement today said primary and secondary schools, Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) and private schools must close in the Covid-19 red zone.

Among the educational institutions involved are 15 international schools and four vocational colleges.

The ministry said the list of schools and institutions will be updated on the ministry’s website and social media platforms.

It said hostels are also closed and parents or guardians have to take students living in dormitories home.

However, for students who are waiting to be picked up by their parents or who want to stay in the hostel, during the closure will be under the care of the hostel warden.

“Their food and drink during the period will be provided by the school and the institution,” it said.

Meanwhile, students who are scheduled to sit for international examinations during the closure will need to obtain a letter from their school.

“During this period, school administrators as well as all educational institutions are instructed to ensure that teachers and students carry out teaching and learning from home.

“The manual can be downloaded from the official portal, www.moe.gov.my,” he said. 

In Kuching, three schools in Samarahan district have been ordered to close from November 2 to 13 following the neighbouring Kuching district being declared a Covid-19 red zone.

The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee said the three schools are SM Wira Penrissen, SM Sg Tapang and SK Wira Jaya.

The committee said 16 Covid-19 cases were recorded today which brought the total number of cases in the state to 872. – Bernama, October 30, 2020.