MP distributes 60 thermometers to 34 primary schools

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Lau (right) places an infrared thermometer near Tan’s forehead to demonstrate the right way to use the instrument.

SIBU: The 34 primary schools in Lanang Parliamentary constituency can now monitor the body temperature of all their pupils, thanks to the infrared thermometers given by Lanang MP Alice Lau.

According to Lau, she has heard about several schools with bigger pupil population in her area not having enough thermometers for such purpose.

Hence, she bought 60 infrared thermometers for the 34 primary schools, with schools with more pupils getting extras.

She said taking the pupils’ temperature before entering classes was an important precautionary measure against Covid-19.

“We all have heard about the case that happened at a school in Kuching, where the whole class has to undergo quarantine. To avoid this happening in Sibu, especially in my area, I have bought the infrared thermometers.

“It is very easy to use as there is no skin contact. Temperature can be taken from a distance. If a pupil has fever, it (infrared thermometer) will beep six times.”

She was given to understand that SK SEDC has one thermometer, while SK Perbandaran No.4 and SJKC Thian Hua have two each. She would give extra to these schools to screen pupils before the first lesson of the day.

“SK SibuJaya with about 1,900 pupils will receive five. Other schools such as SK SEDC, SK Perbandaran No 4 and SJKC Thian Hua will receive three each. One each will be given to rural schools with a population of 18 to 60 pupils, for instance,” Lau said.

As for secondary schools, she reckoned the students were old enough to know if they have fever.

Meanwhile, headmaster of SK SEDC, Tan Kuang Hui, thanked Lau for the thermometers and lauded her efforts as a move in the right direction.

“With four thermometers we can screen all the pupils in about half an hour,” Tan said, adding his school has about 700 pupils.