GEORGE TOWN – Some 56 schools and educational institutions in Penang’s southwest district will be closed from tomorrow to November 20 due to the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
The Education Ministry said in a statement today that the measure was to stem the spread of Covid-19 in the district, which includes Bayan Lepas.
“A total of 56 educational institutions, including 39 primary and 12 secondary schools, as well as a vocational college and four private schools registered with the ministry are affected.”
According to the statement, schools and institutions with hostels will also be closed.
Students who want to remain in the dormitories during CMCO will be under the care of the hostel wardens.
“Teachers are expected to carry out online classes and distance learning during the CMCO.”
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also said in a statement today that all public and private institutions of higher learning, skills training institutes, schools, kindergartens, nurseries, tahfiz centres and childcare centres should also be closed during CMCO.
However, he said economic and industrial activities in the area can remain open while adhering to standard operating procedures.
“The areas affected are Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru, Queensbay, Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zones, Sg Ara, and Batu Maung, with an estimated population of 150,000,” said Chow.
He said the federal government would issue full standard operating procedures to the public.
The district has recorded 51 Covid-19 cases in the Bayan cluster. – The Vibes, November 5, 2020
