Covid-19: Formulate pandemic prevention guidelines for schools, urges MCA

PETALING JAYA: As the number of Covid-19 cases in the country continues to rise, the Health Ministry and the Education Ministry should establish a set of pandemic prevention guidelines as soon as possible.

In a statement Friday (Dec 15), MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic) said these guidelines would assist schools in being sufficiently prepared to effectively prevent and curtail the spread of Covid-19 when the new school term resumes.

“With the recent surge of Covid-19 positive cases in Malaysia, in addition to high-risk vulnerable groups requiring special attention, schools too have become the focus of people’s attention.

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

He added that Covid-19 was showing a resurgence around the world, and all segments of society should be prepared for the unexpected, formulate various preventive measures, and execute every effort in detail on pandemic prevention preparations.

The full text of Dr Mah’s statement can be read below:

Health Ministry urged to formulate pandemic prevention guidelines for schools

As the number of Covid-19 cases in the country continues to grow each day, MCA urges the government, in particular, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to establish a set of pandemic prevention guidelines as soon as possible. In view of the latest situation, these guidelines can assist schools to be sufficiently prepared to effectively prevent and curtail the spread of the coronavirus once the new school term resumes, and thereby safeguard the health of students and staff.

With the recent surge of Covid-19 positive cases in Malaysia, in addition to high-risk vulnerable groups requiring special attention, schools too have become the focus of people’s attention. 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 pay close attention to the possible development of Covid-19 clusters at schools, 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. This is to enhance public alert, create awareness to stem the spread of Covid-19.

MoH, via the MoE, could assist schools with the disinfection process and cleaning of public areas, classrooms, washrooms, libraries and other places frequented by students and staff after the new school term commences. This is to maintain hygiene in school and the surrounding environment.

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, avoid crowded places to protect everyone’s health and safety.

Moreover, the MoH could also provide guidance or advice 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 the Covid-19’s spread and avoid Malaysia being affected by the pandemic once again.

DATUK DR MAH HANG SOON

Deputy President, MCA