MIRI – School closures in 20 red-zone districts in Sarawak will have no effect if students end up loitering in shopping centres or roaming the streets, where they can get infected with Covid-19.
Parents have expressed concern that students may still get infected with the coronavirus, which is spreading in the community, by engaging in such activities.
While they welcome the move by the state government to shut learning institutions in red zones in the state for two weeks, they also want steps to be taken to prevent youth from loitering.
“The state has continuously seen a three-digit number of daily Covid-19 cases,” said parent Anthony Rizwan in a social media post to state Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“Even in Sibu, there is an increase in infections.
“What this means is that the virus is actively spreading in the streets and crowded places, like shopping centres.
“Schools are closed, but if students end up in shopping areas and the streets, the move will not help.
“They can still get infected and infect others.”
Another parent, Tajuddin Abol, said there is a need to ensure students do not freely roam outside.
“Restrictions must be put in place to prevent youth from leaving their houses.
“There are many cases of students being made to undergo screening, yet allowed to move around although their results are pending.
“This is very dangerous as they could be carrying the virus.”
All schools in 20 high-risk districts in the state have been ordered to close for two weeks from today.
There are 40 districts in Sarawak, of which 20 are categorised as Covid-19 red zones.
The coronavirus has caused 140 deaths and some 23,000 infections in the state, so far. – The Vibes, April 20, 2021
