SCHOOL administrators have been advised to cut back on the use of air conditioning to improve the circulation of fresh air as a safeguard against the spread of Covid-19 when the schools reopen.

Deputy Education Minister I Dr Mah Hang Soon said the recommended range of temperature within school buildings is from 23℃ to 26℃, if all air conditioners are being switched on.

“Our advice is to cut down on the use of air con and to avoid temperatures that are too cold as the top priority is air circulation,” he told reporters after visiting a vaccination centre at SMK Proton City in Tanjung Malim today.      

Mah said the ministry has embarked on visits to ensure that all schools and educational institutions install a healthy indoor system of air circulation to keep Covid-19 at bay, in preparation for the reopening of schools.

In any event, he said no undue reports have been received, regarding poor air circulation in schools and all has been satisfactory so far.    

On whether there were reluctant parents who objected to their children being vaccinated against Covid-19, Mah said it is premature to assess since the ministry is still in its initial phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for adolescents.   

“We can see that pupils and parents are generally willing and receptive to the vaccination,” he said.

“As far as I know, there have been no objections from them in receiving the vaccination.”

He said information to dispel misconceptions on the vaccination will be stepped up to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination, to ensure a safe classroom environment for lessons.

Schools will reopen in stages starting with exam year pupils on October 3.

Earlier, 127 out of 570 pupils at SMK Proton City received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. – Bernama, September 24, 2021.