7 primary schools to implement home-based learning from May 17 to 28: MOE

• Move was meant to “safeguard students and staff and curb the risk of any transmission in our schools”, said MOE 
• While the infections thus far “appear to be linked outside our schools”, the decision was taken given the infectious nature of the virus
• MOE also provided updates on the Covid-19 cases involving primary school pupils

SINGAPORE — Seven primary schools will implement home-based learning (HBL) from Monday (May 17) until the end of the current school term on May 28, the Ministry of Education announced late Saturday night. 

These schools are: Kong Hwa School, Palm View Primary School, St Andrew’s Junior School, St Margaret’s Primary School, St Stephen’s School, Yio Chu Kang Primary School and Yu Neng Primary School. 

In a press release issued past midnight, MOE said that the move was meant to “safeguard students and staff and curb the risk of any transmission in our schools”. 

More cases of Covid-19 infection have emerged among primary school students linked to tuition or enrichment centres.  

MOE noted that the infections so far “appear to be linked outside our schools”, but the decision was taken as a precaution given the infectious nature of the virus strain. 

The ministry said that it was in touch with the schools to provide the necessary support for teachers and students in conducting online learning. Teachers are also in contact with students and parents. 

“MOE is closely monitoring the well-being of students and staff identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, and will implement similar measures for other schools, where necessary,” it said. 

On Friday, tightened safety measures for schools and institutes of higher learning were announced. 

Among other measures, students taking school buses must wear masks at all times throughout the journey and refrain from interacting with each other.

Private tuition and enrichment centres are also strongly encouraged to move lessons online during this period of heightened risk. 

MOE said in its latest press release that it will step up inspections and enforcement of private tuition and enrichment centres to ensure compliance with the tightened measures.

It stressed that it will “continue to monitor the situation closely, and implement additional safe management measures where necessary to ensure the well-being of students and staff”. 

“We urge all students and staff to consult a doctor immediately if they are feeling unwell, continue practising good personal hygiene and adhere to safe management measures.” 

In its press release, the ministry also provided updates on the Covid-19 cases involving primary school pupils.

Cases linked to Edufirst Learning Centre (Hougang)

On May 13, a Yio Chu Kang Primary School student had tested positive for Covid-19. 

Following that, close contacts were placed under quarantine and tested for Covid-19. 

MOE said that the student had attended Edufirst Learning Centre (Hougang), and based on the test results of close contacts from the same centre, one student from Palm View Primary School and a second student from Yio Chu Kang Primary School tested positive for Covid-19 on May 15 and 14 respectively. Both were last in school on May 12.

Cases at Learning Point Tuition Centre (Parkway Centre)

On May 13, five students (two from Kong Hwa School, one from St Andrew’s Junior School and two from St Stephen’s School) tested positive for Covid-19, attending classes run by an infected private tutor at Learning Point at Parkway Centre. 

The Ministry of Health (MOH) had placed their close contacts under quarantine order and required them to undergo testing. 

MOE said: “Swab test results from close contacts of the St Andrew’s Junior School student have now confirmed that two additional students from the same school were also tested positive on May 15.”

All three had taken the same school bus on May 11.

Another four students from the same tuition centre tested positive on May 15. 

Two of the students are from Kong Hwa School, while the other two are from St Margaret’s Primary School and Yu Neng Primary School, and all were last in school on May 12. 

The remaining close contacts have tested negative. Contact tracing is ongoing. 

Close contacts of these extra cases will be placed under quarantine order and tested, MOE said.