Ensuring kids stay safe following spike in Covid-19 cases

GEORGE TOWN: With the spike in Covid-19 cases, kindergarten operators are reminding staff members and parents to observe the stringent standard operating procedures (SOP) put in place to protect the children.

“We have our own SOP and preventive measures for our staff and children.

“So we’ve sent out a memo to all parents informing them of the extra measures to be taken, and that all children need to mask up at the centre,” said Junior Scholars Kindergarten principal Christine Tan.

Parents, said Tan, were told not to send their kids to the centre if they were unwell, and to get immediate treatment.

“Our staff members have also been told to wear masks during working hours.

“For the children, masks are not compulsory, but they are advised to wear them,” she added.

However, she observed that most parents would send their children to the centre with the masks on.

The centre has about 90 children, aged between four and six, with 15 staff members including teachers.

“Children will have their temperature taken daily and if they fall sick during class, their parents will be summoned to take them back home.

“Our staff sanitises the premises daily,” she said.

Tadika Day Star principal Lit Peng Khoon said so far, none of her charges had tested positive for Covid-19 although a few came down with flu and fever.

On Dec 18, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government would not consider reimposing the movement control order, but urged people to increase their vigilance.

The Health Ministry said 20,696 cases were reported nationwide from Dec 10 to 16, an increase of 62.2%.

A total of 28 deaths were also recorded, while 151 patients had been warded in intensive care, with 96 requiring breathing assistance.

Most fatalities were those aged over 60 (85%) and patients with chronic illnesses (93%), with the death rate at 0.1%, Dzulkefly added.