PUTRAJAYA: The guidelines for boarding school hostels have been approved and will be implemented soon.
Senior Defense Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the guidelines prepared by the Education Ministry among others stated that only healthy students were allowed to return, compulsory health screening upon registration, and one-metre distance between beds with only the lower bed of double-deckers allowed for use.
"Social distancing markers will be installed for students' queuing lanes at places like toilets and bathrooms, washing area, ironing room and pantry.
"Temperature scan devices must be provided at hostels. Dining schedules should also be prepared if necessary," he told a press conference today.
He said for dining hall management, dishes could be served buffet-style, individually or take-aways.
School administration must consult the district health office if students displayed Covid-19 symptoms, and parents should be informed and allowed to bring them home.
In the meantime, students with symptoms must be isolated and placed at sick bays.
"As a precautionary measure, Health Ministry personnel will conduct random Covid-19 screenings at hostels.
"The guidelines can also be implemented in schools that are not under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry, such as MRSM (Mara Junior Science Colleges).
"Form Four students are allowed to return to hostels from July 15, while others from Aug 3. For primary schools, especially those in rural areas, Year 5 and 6 pupils are allowed to return to their hostels on July 15."