Betong rural schools getting ready for resumption of classes

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Uggah (right) checking on the new hand washing area at SMK Spaoh.

KUCHING: Rural schools in Betong are doing their best to comply with the the standard operating procedures (SOP) from the Education Ministry (MOE) for the resumption of classes soon.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during his visit to a few schools in Betong yesterday, said the Sarawak government is prepared to provide these rural schools with financial grant for this purpose.

Uggah said these schools are setting up hand washing areas, getting enough hand sanitisers, thermometers, creating social distancing marks along their corridors and the one meter gap between desks in classes.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman visited SMK Spaoh and five primary schools – SK Spaoh, SK Suri Debak, Sk Gayau, SK St John and SK Paku Central – to check on their preparations for re-opening on July 15 following the implementation of recovery movement control order (RMCO).

Uggah was met by the respective headmasters or their senior representatives who briefed him on what they had done and would be doing to ensure the best protection for their students against the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also was briefed on the schools general development requirements.

At those schools which use plastic water containers with tap for hand washing purpose, Uggah wanted them to set up the more proper system using aluminium/steel basins and pipe water.

He said this method would be more healthy and more permanent in nature as the fight against the virus could be a long drawn battle.

He also called on the school authorities to buy more hand held thermometers.

At the larger schools with greater student populations, Uggah plans to help them to acquire thermo scanners to deal with the potential long queues when only the hand thermometers were used.

Uggah, meanwhile reminded the teachers of their vital role in protecting their young students.

He said they were now playing the role of the frontliners.

“Please make sure all the SOPs and whatever advises given by the Education as well as the Health Ministeries from time to time are strictly adhered to.”

Accompanying Uggah during the visit were a political secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Richard Rapu, Betong District Education Officer Supian Ekeram, his colleague Emparie Tom and Spaoh District Sarawak administrative officer Lister Clement.