Almost all schools are ready to reopen after closing for over two months under the movement control order (MCO). Most schools have already started cleaning and preparing according to guidelines provided by the Education Ministry.
“The guidelines address matters like the number of students in each class, screening of students when they enter the school compound, social distancing in classrooms, dining halls and hostels, as well as the dos and don’ts.”
However, ministry official also said no date on reopening of schools yet, so please ignore rumours and fake news on social media. The date of reopening would be a decision together with health Ministry and Nation Security Council and a 14-day notice will be given prior schools reopen.
According to minister’s statement, it is unlikely that schools will reopen when the conditional MCO ends on Jun 9 as it means the ministry would have made the announcement yesterday.
The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) said teachers were on standby and waiting for the official word. Its secretary-general Harry Tan said a 14-day notice should not pose any problem.
“Security, cleaning and landscaping service providers have all taken the necessary steps to ensure the environment is safe, ” he said.
Former NUTP secretary-general Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said while teachers were efficient in preparations to face a new schooling system, they must be prepared for surprises.
“I think it’s ideal to reopen in August, to prepare for the following year.The process (of reopening) must not be hurried,” he said.
He said Health Ministry officials should start briefing teachers now to ensure they were well prepared once schools reopen and to take their views into account.
Educationist Prof Tan Sri Dr T. Marimuthu said authorities must look at the trend in the number of active Covid-19 cases and expressed concern on whether students would adhere to social distancing in classrooms, and whether teachers could teach effectively (in such a climate).
Source : The Star