KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry (MOE) has directed state Education Departments and district education offices nationwide to carry out continuous monitoring of schools, following the influenza A virus outbreak at a school in Penang.
In a statement this afternoon, MOE said all schools must comply with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Influenza A epidemic Infection Control issued by the ministry.
It added that any student infected with the virus and showing signs of infection must be isolated immediately and referred to MOH for closer examination.
“Teachers and school management are also urged to keep a close watch on pupils to look out for possible signs of the epidemic,” it added.
Several schools in Penang and Selangor have been ordered to close to curb the spread of the virus.
The ministry also added that the decision to close schools would only be made on the advice of MOH officials upon checking the possible risks.
“The ministry also seeks cooperation from parents to be aware of their children’s health and not to send them to school if they are sick”, it said.
It was reported that two classes at SRJK (C) Li Hwa in Butterworth were ordered to stay closed until Jan 20 after students showed symptoms of Influenza A.
Health officers were sent to the school to conduct disinfection procedures before the closure announcement was made.