Now that schools in Singapore have reopened, education minister Chan Chun Sing says the Ministry of Education (MOE) is stepping up its efforts to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
This is particularly essential with the rising COVID-19 community cases in the country and with over 300 children infected with the virus.
In a Facebook post on Sunday (12 September), Mr Chan announced that the ministry will be adopting a four-pronged approach to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.
MOE To Conduct 4-Pronged Strategy In Schools Against COVID-19: Chan Chun Sing
Image source: Facebook / Chan Chun Sing
“With schools reopening after the September holidays, we must step up our efforts to keep our children, teachers and staff safe in the face of an increase in COVID-19 community cases,” says Chan Chun Sing in his post.
He proceeded to breakdown the 4-pronged approach MOE has prepared for all schools:
1. Enhanced testing
For the first week of Term 4, all Primary School children will receive 3 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits.
All families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with how to use the test kits by helping students do a self-test at home this week. The minister said this will also serve as a “one-time sweep” to assure the safety of our children.
“This would strengthen our efforts to further reduce the risks of transmission in our schools. That’s the use of the other 2 ART kits for future contingencies, which we will replenish as necessary,” explained Mr Chan.
2. Parents are urged not to send their kids to school if they feel unwell
If your child is feeling unwell, it is highly advised that you don’t send them to school until fully recovered. Parents are also encouraged to seek help from a doctor if needed.
Children should also be kept from attending school if a family member is undergoing quarantine or is required to be in isolation.
“We thank everyone for your cooperation,” wrote Mr Chan.
Image source: Facebook / Chan Chun Sing
3. Safe management measures in schools to remain
The ministry will continue to maintain tight Safe Management Measures within schools. This includes wearing masks and practising good personal hygiene.
Mr Chan noted that these safety measures have helped to minimise the risks of transmission within schools.
Meanwhile, Co-Curricular Activities in primary schools will remain suspended in the meantime.
4. Isolating and ringfence known COVID-19 cases
The minister added that MOE will continue to rapidly isolate and ringfence known cases and their close contacts. This is to help minimise transmission risks and disruption to the rest of the students, staff and families.
He said, “This sustainable approach will allow our children to continue learning safely.”
Image source: Facebook / Chan Chun Sing
Families Urged To Get Vaccinated As Soon As Possible
Children who have been infected with COVID-19 in Singapore have had relatively mild symptoms and none have been severely ill. Even so, Chan Chun Sing advised that we all remain vigilant.
Mr Chan added, “We also urge everyone to encourage family and friends to be vaccinated to minimise the risks to our children who cannot be vaccinated yet.”
“It will take the collective efforts of our community to keep our children safe,” he concluded his statement.
Lead image source from Facebook / Chan Chun Sing.
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