Start of classes on September 1, MOE's 10 epidemic prevention guidelines

School levels from kindergarten up to high school will start classes on September 1, 2021. The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced epidemic prevention guidelines for when classes start.

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The MOE's 10 epidemic prevention guidelines for the start of classes. (Photo / Provided by the Ministry of Education)

The MOE's 10 epidemic prevention guidelines for the start of classes

1. Guidelines for arrival of teachers and students at school

Students and teachers should have their temperatures taken upon arrival at school, as well as before afternoon classes begin (3x a day). Masks should be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking.

2. For faculty members who are not vaccinated

Besides providing initial proof of a negative result from a rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before they enter campus for the first time following the summer break, faculty and staff members who have not been vaccinated at least 14 days prior would also need to undergo a rapid antigen or PCR test once every seven days thereafter

3. What to do if someone has a fever?

People with a fever or acute respiratory infection would be prohibited from campuses. Schools must implement leave options for being sick or feeling unwell.

4. Epidemic prevention guidelines for dining in schools

Dining areas must be well ventilated and have dividers. Everyone must maintain social distancing and only one person per table with their individual meals.

5. Masks must be worn in physical education classes

Students must observe social distancing especially in contact and team sports. Masks must also be worn all throughout class.

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Parents, faculty, staff, and students are requested to observe and abide by the epidemic prevention guidelines. (Photo / Provided by the Ministry of Education)

6. Opening ceremonies, orientations, and weekly meetings

Venues must have a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. If the limit is exceeded, it must be reported to local authorities.

7. Suspension of teachers are students diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus

If 1 teacher or student in 1 class is confirmed to have the virus, the class will be suspended. If more than 2 teachers or students are confirmed to have the virus, the school will be closed. If 1/3 of the schools in the township or area suspend classes, then all schools must suspend classes in the area.

8. If students are worried about being exposed to the virus when going to school

They can choose not to go to physical classes and their absences will be excused.

9. Guidelines for using air conditioners indoors

Learning and dining areas must have proper ventilation. Windows must be open 15cm wide in an airconditioned room.

10. Parents and visitors are prohibited from entering campus

In general, parents and visitors would not be permitted to enter schools, it said, but exceptions could be made by school officials if there was a recognized need.