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83 clusters recorded in schools and colleges, 49 still active

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba says any temporary closure of classes or premises will be considered based on risk assessments.

Bernama
2 minute read
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Health Minister Dr Adham Baba urges all schools to adhere to Covid-19 preventive measures including physical distancing and the use of face masks.
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba urges all schools to adhere to Covid-19 preventive measures including physical distancing and the use of face masks.

A total of 83 Covid-19 clusters related to the education sector were recorded from Jan 1 until yesterday, says Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.

He said data from the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) showed that 49 clusters (59.04%) with 2,617 cases were still active, while 34 clusters (40.96%) with 2,251 cases have ended.

Of the total clusters, 39 with 1,420 cases were from the education ministry’s schools or institutions sub-category, 19 clusters with 1,870 cases were from the higher education sub-category, and 25 clusters with 1,578 cases were from other education sub-categories.

“For education institutions which recorded Covid-19 infections among their members, the management must immediately notify the nearest district health office (PKD) for prevention and control measures,” he said in a statement today.

Adham said the need for a temporary closure of classes or premises would be considered based on risk assessments by the PKD comprising contact tracing and further inspection.

“The temporary closures aim to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among members of the education sector including students, teachers, staff on duty and further, to the community,” he added.

Adham said when PKDs or state health departments receive a report or notification on Covid-19 positive cases or clusters, a team is mobilised to conduct investigations, contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures as well as risk assessments.

The PKD would also advise the management to conduct a cleaning and disinfection process at their premises, he said.

The minister urged all education premises to continue to adhere to the SOPs such as maintaining physical distancing, wearing face masks and ensuring personal hygiene.

“Run fever or symptoms screening at the entrance of schools or premises. Those who are unwell or symptomatic are advised to seek treatment at nearby health facilities,” he said.