THE reopening of schools today run very smoothly, especially in north Seberang Perai (SPU) with full adherence to the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The Federal Government had recently announced that those in pre-school, Year One and Year Two would resume physical classes on March 1 (today) while Year Three to Year Six would return on March 8.
As for secondary schools, students in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will start on April 4, while students in other states will return on April 5.
A check by Buletin Mutiara on several schools in SPU found that all pupils were seen wearing face masks and observing physical distancing as they began entering the school compounds accompanied by their parents.
Most of the schools also are equipped with smart infrared thermometer and automatic hand sanitiser dispenser to be used by pupils before allowing them in.
There are also markers on the floor to guide them to keep a safe distance of at least a metre from one another.
Teachers also could be seen wearing face masks all the time while waiting outside the school gate as early as 7am to welcome the pupils.
Earlier, the teachers themselves were seen to have their temperature checked by the school guards when they arrived.
North Seberang Perai OCPD Asst Comm Noorzainy Mohd Noor said 64 primary schools in SPU area has reopened today in compliance with the strict SOPs.
“We also have placed 64 police officers and personnel in each school to observe and ensure strict SOPs are practised by the school management.
“For instance, they must ensure that the pupils have their body temperature checked before entering the school, wear face masks all the time in the school compound and practise physical distancing.
“And based on the information that we have as of now, the majority of the schools in SPU are adhering strictly to the SOPs and we hope it will continue in the coming days to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection,” Noorzainy told reporters during his visit to the SK Penaga in Kepala Batas this morning.
According to Noorzainy, police also have deployed traffic policemen to primary schools to reduce traffic congestion, especially in areas with a high traffic volume.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud