Education

April school reopening still on despite 41 institution-related clusters

All parties reminded to comply with SOPs to prevent more outbreaks, ensure safety of students nationwide

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 26 Mar 2021 5:48PM

April school reopening still on despite 41 institution-related clusters
The Education Ministry says it will continue monitoring compliance to standard operating procedures in schools so students can safely undergo learning sessions. – The Vibes file pic, March 26, 2021

BATU PAHAT – Face-to-face school sessions for the secondary level scheduled to begin on April 4 and 5 will continue although there have been 41 Covid-19 clusters originating in educational institutions since January 1, said Senior Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.

He said school sessions will continue in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The ministry will also continue its monitoring activities so students can follow learning sessions safely, he said.

“Looking at the data, the clusters occurred in various educational institutions. More than five million students nationwide, including secondary school students, will return to school on April 4 and 5.

“We have prepared the best SOPs, so we hope all parties, including parents and schools, will give their support and comply with (the SOPs) so school sessions can continue in a safe manner,” he told reporters after handing over maintenance allocations for schools in the Batu Pahat constituency here today.

Schools had been reopening in stages, starting with preschoolers and Years 1 and 2 on March 1 nationwide, followed by Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 on March 8.

Secondary schools in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will commence sessions on April 4 while those in other states will reopen April 5.

Yesterday, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said since January 1, 41 Covid-19 clusters have emerged in schools and universities, resulting in 2,268 cases so far.

Of the total, he said 15 clusters involved higher learning institutions, followed by secondary schools (11), preschools and primary schools (10), as well as tahfiz centres and madrasah (5). – Bernama, March 26, 2021

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