Dr Sim suggests reopening upper secondary classes first

KUCHING: Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian has suggested that schools reopen starting with Form 4 and 5 classes soon.

In a Facebook post on Friday, the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president said this is because Form 4 and 5 students will be able to adhere to certain principles or standard operating procedures (SOP) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Dr Sim pointed out that this would be a tremendous challenge for younger children, such as primary school pupils, should they return to school too soon.

“In some countries, primary schools are planned to start only next year.

“With all those principles (taken) into consideration, probably those in Form 4 and 5 will be able to comply and can start soon,” he said.

Dr Sim added the principles to combat Covid-19 included avoiding mass gatherings, observing and practising good personal hygiene such as hand washing and using face masks, protecting the vulnerable groups, and the 3Ts — tracing, testing, and treating.

He suggested decreasing the numbers of those gathering at any one time, including in classrooms.

Dr Sim called on the people to wash or sanitise their hands, wear face masks, and check temperatures, in case ‘a symptomatic person joins the class or gatherings’ to ‘decrease virus transmission at personal level’.

He stressed vulnerable groups, namely the elderly aged 60 and above, as well as children must be protected.

On the 3Ts to fight Covid-19, Dr Sim said names and contact numbers either through mobile apps, written down manually, or QR code scanning before being granted entry into premises would help with tracing in case of any outbreak.

Instead of the conventional face-to-face style, he said the community could embrace the new normal by opting for online learning, distance education, and online shopping.

“Many universities have already planned online classes for the rest of this year,” he said.

“Everyone has a role. Please play your part. #StaySafe #SaveLives #NewNorm. Together, we shall overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.”