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PETALING JAYA: There is no problem with the reopening of schools in case the safety guidelines and new standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly adhered to, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (Photo).
The president of the Safe Community Alliance said schools should be ready to adapt to the new rules when they reopen, especially when it comes to social distancing.
“As social distancing will be the practice and the new norm, teachers must be better prepared to teach in a new environment, (where) new forms and methods of teaching are required.
“Teachers should be consulted on this and a new SOP-based school pedagogy may need to be implemented,” it said in a statement Wednesday (May 13).
According to Lee, many parents, teachers, and students have reacted positively to the proposal that schools reopen as restrictions are eased under the movement control order (MCO) implemented to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“It has been a fairly long absence from school, and school-age children long to return to an appropriate classroom environment where they can better interact with teachers and their classmates.
“(But) utmost consideration must be taken to ensure that the Ministry of Education can guarantee the safety and health of all students at the school before sending them back to school,” he said.
For example, schools must limit the number of students on their premises at any time and stagger recess times and visits to lunchrooms.
“Schools have to plan their logistics and create their own POEs, depending on the number of students they have, and the canteen and bathroom available.
“Priority should be given to using the classrooms for children preparing for public exams,” he said.
Schools should also introduce SOPs to ensure student health is monitored and strict standards of personal hygiene are maintained, Lee said.
“Returning students may also need to take their body temperature, wear hand sanitizers, wear masks, and disinfect their shoes before entering their classrooms.
“Schools must make special efforts to practice good hygiene at all times, such as having more frequent breaks so that students can regularly practice personal hygiene.
“Students should be encouraged to inform teachers if they have a fever or other flu-like symptoms,” he added.
Lee said schools should also provide advice to students when necessary.
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