All 5 COVID-19 Cases From Schools Have Recovered, To Resume Classes Next Week: Ong Ye Kung

All four students and one school staff from five different schools have recovered from COVID-19 infection and have been discharged from the hospital.

They were also tested negative twice prior to their discharge.

The heartening news was shared by Minister of Education Ong Ye Kung via a Facebook update (11 June).

According to him, most of these individuals that hail from five different schools—Hwa Chong Institution, Anglican High School, CHIJ Katong Convent, CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent and Geylang Methodist Secondary School—will return to school next week.

One of the students even managed to join in on an online lesson with his classmates prior to the slated return, noted Mr Ong.

In his post, Mr Ong also acknowledged the worry that affected students might have in falling behind their studies due to Leave of Absence (LOA) or Home Quarantine Order (HQO) restrictions.

However, Mr Ong assured that schools will provide them with the necessary online lessons and consultations.

Photo: iStock

During this period, these five schools have also been keeping in close contact with affected students and staff to extend support.

While it is good news to hear of these individuals’ recovery from COVID-19, Mr Ong calls for everyone to continue to stay vigilant and socially responsible.

“We are learning from each episode, and schools, students and parents must all continue to stay vigilant and socially responsible as we learn to live with COVID-19,” he wrote. 

Likely to be Infected During Circuit Breaker

According to MOE’s statement on 7 June, all five COVID-19 cases from the five different schools experienced mild symptoms.

One of the five COVID-19 cases showed symptoms as early as May 31, another with onset of symptoms on June 2 and the other three on June 3, according to reports.

However, they did not display visible flu-like symptoms or were feverish during the screening when entering their schools.

Photo: Ong Ye Kung/Facebook

They were likely to have been infected during the Circuit Breaker period, rather than after schools reopened on 2 June.

The cases only surfaced when an expanded surveillance testing was done following the end of the Circuit Breaker period (since 2 June).

The testing applied to all students above the age of 12 and school staff who were diagnosed with acute respiratory infection when they first see a doctor.

According to the same report, Director of Schools Liew Wei Li said that while the LOA or HQO of affected students will end in time for them to sit for the exam, they can also choose to take it at the end of the year.

There will also be special considerations by The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board during grading for these students, said MOE.

Lead image via Ong Ye Kung/Facebook

ALSO READ: 

MOE to Review the ‘Blend’ of Classroom and Digital Online Learning as Schools Reopen

10 Life Skills You Can Teach Your Kids When Homeschooling Becomes Too Much