NUTP assures parents that schools follow strict S.O.P
They are not the source of Covid-19 outbreaks, says NUTP president
THE National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has assured parents that schools nationwide are adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) implemented by the Education Ministry.
Union president Aminuddin Awang said this following claims that 41 Covid-19 clusters were linked to educational institutions since January.
He gave an assurance that schools were not the source of the outbreaks.
“We have representatives from the Education Department who monitor schools for adherence to the SOP.
“Although there are about one or two schools that had their classes closed after Covid-19 cases were detected, it would be unfair to close over 10,000 schools throughout the country (due to the matter).”
He said these cases might have developed when the pupils’ families attended mass gatherings such as weddings, or went to crowded public areas such as shopping malls.
“The government should tighten the SOP for other sectors that triggered new infections as it is the only way to prevent the virus from spreading.”
The Health Ministry had detected 41 Covid-19 clusters linked to educational institutions from January to March.
Higher education institutions accounted for 15 clusters, secondary schools, 11, preschools and primary schools, 10, and tahfiz centres, five. The clusters collectively recorded 2,228 cases, with the highest from higher education institutions (1,058).
This was followed by secondary school clusters (631), preschool and primary schools (419) and others (120).