KUALA LUMPUR – Keeping children away from schools until there is zero Covid-19 risk is not practical, said epidemiologist Dr Sanjay Rampal, following the Education Ministry’s decision to resume in-person classes in stages next month.
“It is time to open schools, and a committee should be formed in each school to monitor Covid-19 transmissions,” said the epidemiology and public health professor at Universiti Malaya.
“We should empower schools, and the committee should include students, parents, teachers, administrators, the local government, and government representatives.”
He conceded that reopening schools increases the risk of infection, but said what is more important is to identify and mitigate the risk factors.
The virus is here to stay. We cannot afford to keep our kids indoors until there is zero risk because that is unlikely to occur.”
The infection rate for children is lower than adults, based on statistics by the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, he said.
“The fatality rate stands at 20 to 50 per million infected children (below 18 years old). This is in comparison with 11,390 deaths per million infections among those aged 65 and above.”
Negri Sembilan’s Sekolah Dato’ Abdul Razak parent-teacher association committee member Md Fakarudin Ad Rahman said he is happy with the final standard operating procedures issued, as they had been discussed thoroughly at all levels with all stakeholders.
“The SOPs include a weekly rotation system to reduce the number of students in each class, and the compulsory wearing of masks.”
On vaccinating school staff, he said: “The education minister has made it clear that unvaccinated teachers cannot join in-person classes.”
He lauded Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin for saying “all efforts will be made to persuade all teachers and staff to get vaccinated”.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Wang Heng Suan welcomed the tightened SOPs.
“The need to protect students is paramount. The government has considered the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in ensuring the safety of students, teachers and society in the face of the pandemic.
“NUTP was involved in the discussions prior to the announcement by the minister. The most important aspect is the requirement for all teachers to be vaccinated.”
On Sunday, Radzi announced that in-person classes will be conducted at 50% capacity, with students taking turns by week to attend, in states under Phase 4 of NRP when schools reopen starting October 3.
“This means that each class will be divided into two groups, and they will take turns attending physical classes. Half of the students in a given classroom will attend in-person classes for one week, and the other half will be present the following week. Students not attending physical classes will follow lessons online as usual.”
However, the rotation system will not be implemented for special needs students, Form 6 students in their second semester, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Year 2 students, boarding school students, students sitting international examinations, preschoolers aged 4 to 6, and at schools with low enrolment (fewer than 150 students).
Parents will have the option of not sending their children to school, said Radzi.
He said no disciplinary action will be taken against students who do not show up for in-person classes.
Students are allowed to wear appropriate clothes to school should their uniforms no longer fit, he said.
“We have issued a directive, especially to security and canteen operators, to ensure all their workers who are serving in schools are vaccinated.”
He said teachers who are not immunised – whether by choice or based on medical advice – are not allowed to be present in schools.
He added that discussions are ongoing with the Public Service Department on whether action will be taken against educators who refuse vaccination. – The Vibes, September 15, 2021
