By now, someone in your child’s school might have contracted COVID-19. If not, someone’s child within your immediate circle of friends and relatives might have.
If you have been wondering what is the standard operating procedure in such a case, we have the official chain of events which should take place.
If you have noticed otherwise, please do alert the necessary authorities.
When the ministry – whether district or state health departments – receives a report or notification on COVID-19 cases, a team from the district health office would be mobilised to conduct an investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment and other necessary steps to curb the spread of the virus, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba in a statement today.
The district health office will advise the education institution’s management to run cleaning and disinfection exercises.
Should a school with COVID-19 cases be immediately closed? Not necessarily.
The decision to close an educational institution after a reported COVID-19 case is based on risk assessment by the district health office.
The need to temporarily close the class or premises will be considered after risk assessment by the district health office.
Between Jan 1 and April 20 this year, 83 COVID-19 clusters were linked to the education sector, involving 4,686 cases. Out of the 4,868 cases found, 2,617 cases are still active.
Dr Adham reminded all in the education sector to always adhere to standard operating procedures before, during, and after learning or training hours.
This includes wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance, practising personal hygiene, and regular hand-washing with soap and water or hand sanitisers.
Screening for fever or any symptoms, he said, must be conducted at the school or premises entrance, and those who are unwell or show symptoms should seek treatment and check at the nearest health facility.
“Education institutions that record a case must immediately report the matter to the district health office,” he added.