As Singapore comes to terms with living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease, prompt testing for infection will become a key measure in managing the pandemic. This includes ensuring that every student from preschools, primary schools and SPED schools receives a Covid self test kit.
In a press release on 27 August, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) announced that they will conduct a one-off distribution of Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits.
Each Student And Staff Of Preschools, Primary Schools And SPED Schools To Receive A Covid ART Test Kit
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From 13 September, all students and staff in ECDA-licensed preschools, Early Intervention centres, primary schools and SPED schools (primary/junior sections) will be receiving ART kits.
MOE and ECDA will ensure that every student and staff gets a Covid ART test kit as part of the enhanced testing efforts to ensure safe school environments.
Three ART kits will be given to each student and staff in addition to those that each household will receive as part of the nationwide distribution exercise.
The Covid self test kit will let students do a quick test by themselves when there is possible exposure of suspicion of COVID-19 infection. They can also choose to do so with the supervision and assistance of their parent or guardian.
Students who will be allowed to do a quick self test include the following:
- Identified by their school as possible contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case but were not placed on Quarantine Order
- Have been placed on Approved Absence as they were feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms but were not swabbed when visiting a doctor
- Have unwell household members with flu-like symptoms
Read: COVID-19 DIY Test Kits: Here’s How To Use Them At Home
One-Time Familiarisation Exercise Will Be Conducted For Parents And Their Children
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The ART kits that will be given to staff and students will also include instructions on appropriate usage and disposal enclosed within.
A one-time familiarisation exercise on the use of the Covid self test kit will be conducted sometime in mid-September.
This is to ensure that parents and children from primary schools, MOE kindergartens and SPED schools become familiar with the procedures to do an ART swab test at home. This is especially as these may be used more regularly in the coming months to help facilitate the safe return of students to school.
At a later date, parents will be given further information about the familiarisation exercise by the respective schools.
“We strongly urge parents and students to play their part by continuing to be socially responsible. If feeling unwell, students and staff should seek medical attention immediately, and not come to school,” says the ministry.
MOE adds, “When there is possible exposure or suspicion of possible infection, we encourage students and staff to do a quick test. Pre-emptive self-testing and the close monitoring of one’s health will be crucial in ensuring a safe community as we transit to a COVID-19 resilient nation.”
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