Govt should establish pandemic prevention guidelines for schools, says MCA

MCA has called on the Health Ministry (MOH) and Education Ministry (MOE) to quickly establish a set of pandemic prevention guidelines for schools.  

Its deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said in view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, these guidelines could assist schools’ preparations to effectively prevent and curtail the spread of the coronavirus once the new school term started.  

“This will help safeguard the health of students and staff,” he said in a statement.    

With the recent surge of Covid-19 positive cases in Malaysia, schools as well as highly vulnerable groups have become the focus of public concern.  

“Considering the spread of this infectious disease, MCA hopes that these updated guidelines can prevent schools from becoming hot spot areas.  

“MOH’s top priority should be to pay close attention to the possible development of Covid-19 clusters at schools.  

“The ministry must formulate a detailed set of pandemic prevention guidelines as soon as possible, and provide them to schools, parents, students, and even canteen operators and school bus drivers and transporters through the MOE after the start of the new school term,” he said.    

This would help enhance public alertness and create awareness to stem the spread of Covid-19.   

He said MOH, via the MOE, could help schools in cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, washrooms, libraries, and other places frequented by students and staff.  

“Besides disinfecting school areas, MCA also urges MOE to provide thermometers, masks, and disinfectants to schools, canteen operators, school bus drivers, etc., so that they can undertake pandemic prevention measures. 

“At the same time, the MOH should also advise teachers and students to wear masks, wash hands, and disinfect schools regularly, and avoid crowded places to protect everyone’s health and safety,” he added.

Moreover, the MOH could also provide guidance on the administration of booster vaccines for staff and students.  

Covid-19 is showing a resurgence around the world.   

“Our government and all segments of society are encouraged to be prepared for the unexpected, formulate various preventive measures, and execute every effort in detail on pandemic prevention preparations.   

“Only via this method may we effectively respond to the challenge of Covid-19’s spread and avoid Malaysia being affected by the pandemic once again,” added Mah. – The Vibes, December 16, 2023.