COVID-19: Tighter SOPs for Schools Reopening on October 3

The Malaysian government has prepared a list of standard operating procedures (SOP) in regards to the reopening of schools on the 3rd of October 2021. With schools closed and classes moved to the virtual space, we eventually discovered online learning (PdPR), came with a series of pros and cons. The reality is, over 5 million students come from a spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds. Not everyone has the luxury of decent gadgets and access to the internet in order to benefit from online classes. This accessibility is reflective of those with privilege and those without. Education Minister, Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin announced the decision to reopen schools was made in the best interest of students. It is necessary for all students to once again familiarise themselves with the education system. Those needing to catch up with extra tutoring will benefit from the extended school calendar. Here are some key information to take note of pertaining to the tightened SOP for schools according to the Ministry of Education, Malaysia: The current academic year is extended to March 2022 and students will remain in their respective years and forms till then. School attendance is capped at 50% for all students except those in Phase 1 states. Classrooms are halved and these two groups are to attend classes in school every alternate two weeks. Parents can choose to allow or pull their children from attending schools physically if in fear of COVID-19 transmission. Simply attach a letter of explanation for the school, should they wish to opt out. Unvaccinated teachers are not allowed to return to classrooms. Co-curriculum activities are not allowed but Physical Education (PJK) is. Students are required to don their sport attires from home instead of in school. Mealtimes allowed only in classrooms unless air-conditioned. Every state will differ in procedures in accordance to which phase of recovery they are in: Image credit: Motherhood Story Image credit: Motherhood Story Life outdoors may have seemed like a faraway possibility for the longest time, but not anymore. This month alone, we have witnessed our nation take strides into our path towards COVID-19 recovery. Not to mention, Malaysia has finally reached the targeted 80% herd immunity of the adult population this week and has hit a new low in COVID-19 cases for the first time since July. Fully vaccinated individuals can now enjoy dining in, mall trips, and even domestic travels (to travel bubble states like Langkawi, Kedah). Additionally, our children are now buzzing with preparation for the reopening of schools in the coming month. Slowly but surely, we are growing more hopeful for the nation's recovery from COVID-19 as we gradually return to normalcy. As our nation pursues a new phase of the National Recovery Plan, our primary responsibility now lies in playing our respective roles in order to ease into life outdoors with minimum risk of catching COVID-19. For more updates and a list of other insightful reads, be sure to stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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