PCF Sparkletots preschool in Chua Chu Kang shut for disinfection after 2 children test positive for Covid-19

SINGAPORE — A PCF Sparkletots preschool at Chua Chu Kang has been closed for disinfection after two children who attended the centre tested positive for Covid-19.

In a letter to parents which was seen by TODAY, Ms Janica Ng, lead executive principal of the centre, said that the preschool was informed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (July 13) evening that a child from Kindergarten 1 had tested positive for the disease.

She added that MOH confirmed on Wednesday that a child from the playgroup also tested positive for Covid-19. The children are siblings from the same household.

They were last at the preschool on Monday, and had cleared all health and temperature checks without displaying any symptoms of being unwell.

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) told TODAY on Friday that the siblings tested positive for Covid-19 while in quarantine.

They had been quarantined as they were in contact with a household member who was infected with the coronavirus, it added.

The PCF Sparkletots preschool centre is located at Brickland Block 801, Keat Hong Close.

In response to TODAY’s queries, Ms Marini Khamis, senior director of the Preschool Management Division at PCF, said: “The health and safety of our children and staff are our highest priority, and we are monitoring the situation closely with MOH and ECDA.”

In the letter, Ms Ng said that as a precautionary measure, all children and staff from the playgroup to Kindergarten 2 classes who were present in school with the two affected children will be placed on leave of absence from July 14 to 26.

On Friday, ECDA said that it had directed that staff members and children in childcare bays who were recently at the preschool with the siblings be put on leave of absence.

The centre is closed from Wednesday to Thursday for deep cleaning and disinfection of the premises and equipment.

The preschool’s infant care bay remains open and will resume operations on Friday, ECDA said.

Ms Ng said in the letter: “Contact tracing is ongoing, and MOH may be contacting parents with children enrolled in the centres as well.”

She also said that barring any unexpected developments, infant care services will resume on Friday, while classes from playgroup to Kindergarten 2 will resume on July 27.

Ms Khamis added: “We will remain in close contact with parents to follow up on the well-being of their children.”

“We also stand ready to adjust or step up our measures where required or upon ECDA's advice.” ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY MICHELLE LEE