Lower-risk CCAs, other school activities to resume at secondary, pre-university levels from July 27: MOE

SINGAPORE — From July 27, secondary schools, junior colleges and the Millennia Institute may resume lower-risk co-curricular activities (CCAs) and other school-based activities, as long as safe management measures are in place, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said.

The move comes after lessons in schools have resumed at all levels since June 29, and students have adjusted well to the various safe management measures for Covid-19, the ministry said on Thursday (July 23).

“It is now timely to safely resume other important aspects of school life to support holistic student development,” it added.

Schools will have the flexibility to decide when activities will resume, as there is no mandated schedule for the resumption of CCAs.

As for primary schools, such activities will resume once the progress of the older students has been assessed, MOE said.

Here are the measures in place for the resumption of CCAs and other activities:

• A cap of 20 students for each activity, and where possible, the composition of participants should be fixed to minimise inter-mingling. For instance, badminton CCAs may resume with up to 20 participants at each venue

• Closer interaction will be allowed within each activity in groups of five. For example, a group of five students in a computer club may work on a software programme, four students may play doubles for table tennis, and two students may take part in a basketball game with two others

• Modified game rules, such that students will be at least 1m apart even for physical activities

• Continued screening of all visitors to schools, including coaches and instructors, for flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough. They must also abide by safe management measures

While lower-risk CCAs may resume, activities involving high levels of body contact, such as judo, taekwondo sparring and rugby scrums, and those that expose participants to aerosol and splatters, including choir and the use of wind instruments, will stay suspended.

Schools will not be allowed to conduct activities at external venues. Students should also not mingle with those from other schools.

Outdoor adventure camps, learning journeys and student work attachments, among others, remain suspended.

MOE said that it would continue monitoring the Covid-19 situation and review its plans in line with the national response to the pandemic.

“For example, if community transmission continues to be under control, we can move to games that are five-versus-five, with modified rules to ensure physical distancing,” it added.

“We will also provide the necessary support to our schools, educators and students, as more aspects of school life gradually resume.”