By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 10: All preschools, including nurseries and kindergartens, have been urged to heighten vigilance and strictly adhere to health and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) following reports of influenza cases in several secondary schools.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah called on early childhood operators and teachers to continue diligently implementing daily preventive measures to curb the spread of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) among young children.
“In view of the occurrence of influenza in some secondary schools as listed in the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) statement, I would like nursery and kindergarten operators and teachers to remain vigilant and continue following the SOPs we practise daily,” she said in a statement today.
Fatimah reminded all early childhood centres to conduct routine health checks before allowing children into classrooms, including temperature screening and inspection of their hands, feet, and mouths for any visible symptoms.
“If a child has a fever or shows symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) or flu, parents must be notified immediately and advised to bring their child to a clinic for further examination,” she stressed.
Her statement came in response to the MOE’s announcement that it has taken serious notice of the spread of ILI in schools and other educational institutions under its management.
According to the ministry, several initiatives have been rolled out, including the issuance of a Notification Letter on Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of ILI Infections in MOE Educational Institutions, to ensure proper and effective management of the situation.
To contain the spread, schools have been instructed to advise symptomatic individuals to seek medical attention and to isolate affected hostel students in designated sick bays. Parents or guardians must also be contacted immediately to bring their children home or authorise the institution to send them to the nearest medical facility.
The MOE further advised that symptomatic students rest at home and avoid crowded areas, while encouraging all members of the education community to wear face masks in public spaces and when interacting with others.
Educational institutions are also urged to promote hygiene awareness among students and staff, and to educate parents and guardians on their role in preventing the spread of ILI.
A Reminder Letter on the Notification of ILI Prevention Guidelines was issued to all schools through State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD) on Oct 6.
“The ministry reminds all education personnel to prioritise hygiene, health, and safety at all times,” the MOE stated.
The MOE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) through its Disease Control Division, continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the health and well-being of students, teachers, and all educational personnel. — DayakDaily
