In light of the Wuhan virus, all children and staff who returned from China during the past two weeks will have to adhere to 14 days’ leave of absence, said Minister Education Minister Ong Ye Kung during a press conference on Monday, 27 January 2020.
Speaking at a press conference, the minister said that five people, including both students and staff, had visited the Hubei province in the past 14 days.
800 students returning from China are expected to be affected. They will then be required to stay at home and engage in home-based learning instead.
According to Mr Ong’s estimation, two to three students in every school on average will be affected.
Photo: iStock
This move is to help safeguard against the Wuhan virus during this crucial period to “protect the young ones“.
To put things into perspective, this number is a “fairly manageable number” according to Mr Ong, as numbers in Hong Kong “runs into the thousands”.
Individuals who have arrived in Singapore on 14 January can only return to school 15 days later, on 29 January—only if they are well.
Schools which the move will apply to:
- Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens
- Primary and secondary schools
- Special education schools
- Junior colleges
- Polytechnics
- Millenia Institute
- Institute of Technical Education
In addition, staff and pupils from preschools will also be affected by the move, said Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development, reported the Straits Times.
Mr Ong also mentioned that the ministry will be contacting private institutions—such as international schools—to implement similar measures.
Schools will reopen as per usual after the Chinese New Year break.
Photo: istock
Further precautionary measures include daily temperature taking exercises in schools for both students and staff. Flu-like symptoms will also be monitored.
In a MOE statement on Facebook, parents are advised to monitor their health, as well as their young ones during this period. In any situation of feeling unwell, it is best to seek medical help.
For additional support or financial help, there is a ComCare Hotline individuals can call: 1800-222-0000.
Stay safe and vigilant, and don’t forget to mask up.
Wuhan virus Singapore: surgical masks will be helpful to guard against the virus. | Photo: iStock
Source: MOE
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Also READ: How You Can Protect Your Family From The Wuhan Virus