All Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers will need to take weekly antigen rapid tests (ARTs) for eight weeks. MOE said these safety guidelines for teachers are in line with the nation’s efforts to step up regular Covid-19 testing and keep the community safe.
The testing regime has been progressively rolled out since this month, an MOE spokesman told The Straits Times on Thursday (20 January). All public officers will also be doing the same.
MOE Guidelines For Teachers To Take Weekly Covid-19 Tests
Image source: Facebook / Ministry of Education, Singapore
Weekly self-administered ARTs for eight weeks
As mentioned earlier, MOE teachers must take weekly Covid-19 tests for eight weeks. The tests will be self-administered by teachers themselves, said the spokesman.
In addition to other precautions schools in Singapore are already taking, the ministry’s moves are as the following:
- Daily temperature taking
- Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces
- Group size limits
Image source: Facebook / Ministry of Education, Singapore
The eight-week period does not apply to school staff working in high-risk settings
In August last year, it was reported that school staff working in high-risk settings would be required to undergo regular testing using ART kits. This was part of the fast and easy testing regime.
The MOE spokesman said that the eight-week timeline does not apply to such staff, including those working in primary schools or settings where they will have to remove their masks.
Even after eight weeks, these staff members will still be required to take weekly self-administered Covid-19 tests.
Image source: iStock
Nationwide emphasis on regular Covid-19 testing as Omicron variant spreads
The MOE safety guidelines for teachers also come amid a nationwide emphasis on regular Covid-19 testing. Especially as the latest variant Omicron continues to spread worldwide.
As of Thursday (20 January), the Ministry of Health has reported a total of 1,001 new Omicron infections in Singapore. 49 of them were imported cases, while 952 were local cases.
With our children returning to school and some of us returning to the workplace, do remember to adhere to safety measures and always take care!
Lead images source from Facebook / Ministry of Education, Singapore.
Source: The Straits Times
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