MOH Planning to Make Face Masks Mandatory in Schools Again Due to Spread of New Covid-19 Variant

With the arrival of the new Covid-19 strain, Arcturus (XBB.1.16), comes the fear for children as they are very much more infectious towards the virus.

Hence is why the Ministry of Health is planning to make face masks mandatory in schools again.

According to a report by Berita Harian, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa shared that she will hold an urgent meeting with the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek, to discuss the matter to curb the re-infection of Covid-19 in schools.

Additionally, guidelines regarding standard operating procedures (SOPs) involving students in schools will be issued before they start school on May 2 (Tuesday), after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

“I will meet Fadhlina immediately this week to discuss the guidelines on why we need to control the spread of Covid-19 in schools, especially after the new variant of Arcturus.”

“The SOPs regarding the control of Covid-19 will be issued before students return to school on May 2 as a precautionary measure. This is important because we are worried if any students get infected after moving here and there during the Hari Raya holidays, which may cause Covid-19 to spread again in schools,” she said.

It was previously reported that 6 more cases of the new variant were detected in the Klang Valley, bringing the total number of infected cases to 12. Out of that number, 4 were detected in Selangor, 2 were detected in Kuala Lumpur and 6 were detected in Sarawak.

We urge everyone to take precautionary measures during this time. 

Also read: Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan is Appointed as the New Health Director-General!