KOTA BARU: Covid-19 cases in Kelantan saw a surge after schools in the state reopened, said a health expert.
Associate Professor Dr Nik Rosmawati Nik Husain, a public health expert at Universiti Sains Malaysia's School of Medical Sciences, said several schools in the state had been placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) to curb the spread of the virus.
She said studies showed that on average, Covid-19 infections among students were at 8.5 per cent and in the "medium" category.
"We cannot deny that there has been a rise in Covid-19 cases after schools reopened, as seen abroad as well.
"For example, in France, one locality had 6,663 cases and 148 fatalities when schools were closed. But when schools reopened, this rose to 286,007 cases and 30,661 deaths.
"In Ireland, when schools were closed, they averaged 70 cases and one death. When they reopened, cases rose to 28,811 and 1,772 fatalities," she said.
She was speaking during a webinar aired on USM's Facebook page entitled "Covid-19 in Kelantan: What You Have To Know".
The webinar was chaired by Dr Tengku Muhammad Fakharuddin Tengku Md Fauzi.
Dr Nik Rosmawati said in Malaysia, before schools reopened, Covid-19 transmissions were relatively manageable.
However, she added that after primary and secondary schools reopened early last month, Kelantan had seen the emergence of seven Covid-19 clusters linked to educational institutions.
"When students enter school and stay in an enclosed room, especially those in boarding schools, every precaution has to be taken. Infectivity among roommates can rise to 50 per cent.
"As such, the school management has to ensure that six steps are adhered to when students are in dormitories, namely washing hands, coughing etiquette, physical distancing, wearing face masks, ensuring cleanliness and ventilation is excellent, as well as isolating students who show symptoms," she said.
She said to ensure that isolation was done properly in dormitories, the rooms must have adequate ventilation and sunlight, with beds spaced two metres apart.
At the same time, each quarantine room must also be equipped with thermometers to enable students to take their own temperature. Should their body temperatures exceed 37.5°C, they must inform teachers or wardens and do a swab test if necessary.
"In addition, a special lane should also be set up for students. Surfaces must be sanitised daily, including dormitory walls. Hand sanitisers should also be provided to all students," she said.