Everything You Need to Know About the Easing of COVID-19 Rules in MOE Schools

Schools look very different nowadays thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students have the lower halves of their faces covered most of the time, and keep to themselves during breaks as if socialising were illegal.

Of course, these safety measures were introduced to stem any potential spread of the coronavirus, which seems particularly prudent with the emergence of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant.

Since we’re planning to live with the coronavirus, however, life has to gradually return to normal, and fortunately for our students, this includes restrictions in schools.

COVID-19 Rules in MOE Schools Eased

Several programmes and activities in educational institutions resumed today (5 Jan), as the authorities lifted some COVID-19 curbs in schools.

The move was announced by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing in a Facebook post yesterday (4 Jan).

For one, in-person co-curricular activities (CCAs) resumed for primary schools, without needing to split according to classes or levels if total number of students, staff, service providers, and volunteers are capped at 50.

Secondary schools, junior colleges, and centralised institutes can also conduct learning journeys and hold CCAs at external venues, as long as there’s “minimal intermingling” with the public.

Self-help group tuition and Dyslexia Association of Singapore literacy programmes can resume as well. Primary 6 pupils can also attend flag-raising level assembly.

But perhaps the one thing that’ll please students here—in primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and centralised institutes—the most is that they’ll be allowed to interact with their classmates during breaks in groups of up to five while wearing masks.

“In addition, we hope to resume the National School Games and Singapore Youth Festival later in the year. May the gradual resumption of activities contribute towards a richer and more fulfilling school year for our students,” Mr Chan wrote.

“As our schools reopen, we are continually evaluating how we can enrich our students’ learning experiences amidst COVID-19.”

Students to Return to School in Phases

For younger students, it were only Kindergarten 1 children in MOE kindergartens and Primary 1 pupils who returned to schools yesterday.

Only one parent or guardian was allowed to accompany their Kindergarten 1 or Primary 1 child or ward to their new school, to help them adjust to their new educational environment.

Kindergarten 2 children, as well as Primary 2 to 6 pupils, will return to school today (5 Jan).

The Education Ministry explained last year that this will allow students to return safely whilst ensuring that COVID-19 safe management measures are implemented effectively in schools.

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Featured Image: Facebook (Chan Chun Sing)