While expectant and concerned parents are looking forward to the release of MOE’s lengthy 34-page document detailing the specific guidelines for the re-opening of schools, Education Minister, Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin did make some key points this morning about the changes that will take place. Here’s everything you should know so far:
1. Body Temperature Checks
“We are aware that students sometimes walk to school and there are a few who ride their bicycles so their body temperatures might be higher than 37.5 degrees celsius. Those students will be asked to rest so their body temperature can go back to normal before they are assessed again,” he said while adding that teachers will be in charge of taking the body temperatures of students at the school gate.
“Every school will also be required to have an isolation room. If a student starts to show symptoms, they will be held in the room and the school’s management will have to contact their parents, as well as the nearest health centre before any further action is taken,” added Dr Mohd Razi in a statement recorded by BERNAMA.
2. Eating in Classrooms, Not Canteens
The minister assured parents that they wouldn’t need to worry about social distancing during meal times as these breaks will be conducted in stages and all students will be required to eat in their respective classrooms.
“Students will buy their packed food and line up following the social distancing markers that are situated with a 1-meter gap between each person before re-entering the classroom to eat. This is to ensure all students don’t gather at the canteen at once.”
3. Social distancing in Classrooms, Labs & School Grounds
To ensure social distancing among the students, Mohd Radzi clarified that all tables are to be arranged at least 1 meter away from each other. If there are too many students to fit one classroom, the additional students will be moved to a separate class. This rule will also apply to the seating arrangements of students in labs.
As for social distancing on school grounds, Mohd Radzi said students will be directed to follow the arrow signs set up to avoid possible collisions
4. Teachers Are Protected Too
The minister added that teachers won’t have to worry as the guidelines will include consideration of their health and safety too:
“Teachers, don’t worry about being cramped into a teacher’s room because the school’s management will ensure social distancing measures. Teachers who have to move from their original workspace will be allocated an appropriate room with all their required resources.”
5. Boarding School Students
The minister added that boarding students will have to apply the 1-meter social distancing rule to their beds and meal halls, following guidelines released by the ministry.
According to Mohd Radzi, the guidelines will be followed and monitored by authorities when schools start to re-open. If there is room for improvement to better ensure the safety of students during the teaching and learning process, changes will be made accordingly.
“We hope that when the time arrives, students will follow safe social distancing before, during and after school hours,” said the minister.
We hope this was informative to you! What do you guys think of the guidelines so far?
Also read: JUST IN: Guidelines For M’sian School Reopening To Be Distributed Nationwide Tomorrow
