Singapore will still resume classes amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
No class suspensions amid COVID-19 outbreak
Singaporean Minister of Education, Ong Ye Kung, made it clear on Friday, that there will be no class suspensions that will be issued, despite the concern over the COVID-19 outbreak.
For now, all schools will remain open, and we will continue to reinforce children with guidelines on sanitation and proper hygiene.
Ong understands the sentiments of the parents when it comes to the health of their children, but being the head of the Ministry of Education, he also shares the same sentiments.
This is a very difficult decision, considering the pros and cons. But, being at home doesn’t suggest they can be healthy anyways.
Advantages of no class suspension
Based on Mr. Ong’s interpretation, once all classes in Singapore are canceled, children will just end up playing on the streets. Children will be more prone to exposure to older children or persons that might have COVID-19.
But, when children are at school, they are always being reminded to wash their hands, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid unnecessary physical contact with anybody. I would like to make a campaign that will ensure that the school is the safest place to stay away from the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Ministry of Education in Singapore is calling on to 33000 school administrators all around Singapore to commit to making their schools, one of the safest places for people not to get the virus.
Parents should have more peace of mind, knowing that their children are in a safe and clean environment, while they are out working. Mr. Ong believes that as parents, our instinct tells us to lock away our children at home to stay away from the virus. But in practicality, there is a possibility that they will not stay at home, and even be more exposed to the virus outside.
As of now, class will still resume, and all schools must take extra precautionary when it comes to health and sanitation of the students and staff.
