KUCHING, July 13: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii is urging the Ministry of Education (MoE) to consider postponing the opening of schools in Kuching in view of the increase in Covid-19 cases in the city.
In a statement today, Dr Yii opined the recent cases in Kuching could be the telltale sign of a possible second wave of infection and that is why all the necessary precautions need to be done to prevent it.
“While I welcomed the government’s initial announcement on the opening of schools by stages, but due to the recent cases especially in Kuching, I believe such special consideration should be given as we lean on the side of caution and not risk the lives of our students and children.
“This is also important to allay the concerns and fear of the parents and even teachers of opening schools even with the possibility of a second wave in Kuching,” he explained.
Dr Yii asserted the government should be proactive in preventing a second wave on top of implementing all other standard operating procedures (SOPs) and direction to curb the spread of Covid-19 in schools.
He noted it is understandable that the reopening of schools is important so that students, especially those without proper Internet access or electronic gadgets, do not get further left behind in the studies, and at the same time it would free parents to go back to work.
“But it has to be done properly in order to avoid any spread of the virus and causing a second wave just like in South Korea, France and some other countries.
“We do not want to risk another new cluster in our schools…. So I do hope the MoE takes in all the necessary feedback especially from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and also the parent-teacher associations (PIBG) or school boards, in making this important decision to protect our children and future generations,” he added. — DayakDaily
