Schools hit with Covid-19 must now close for 2 days

PETALING JAYA: Schools reporting any Covid-19 case will be asked to close for two days, according to a new directive by the education ministry that came into effect today.

Speaking to Sin Chew, deputy education minister Mah Hang Soon said the new rule was decided in a meeting chaired by education minister Radzi Jidin.

He added that the temporary closure would allow for thorough disinfection of the school premises.

“The teachers, students, and parents will have an emotional buffer space, which will prevent unnecessary panic and misunderstanding,” Mah said, adding that the affected students will then switch to home-based learning.

He said the district health officers will then decide whether the schools can reopen after two days, or if an extended closure was necessary.

According to Mah, this decision follows an increase in Covid-19 cases involving schools.

Two days ago, 19 schools in the Petaling district were closed. Meanwhile, two schools were among the 11 new clusters today.