Students must return to school from May 1, no more physical distancing in class

SHAH ALAM - All students must return to schools beginning May 1, said Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

This, he said was in line with the relaxation of the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday.

Radzi said school attendance was compulsory like how it was before the pandemic began.

He added that those who came to school with symptoms must conduct a Covid-19 self test.

"Students who are symptomatic and positive for Covid-19 must be placed in an isolated room first.

"The affected student must undergo a self-test and if the result is negative, they are allowed to attend classes.

"However, if they are tested positive, the teacher must contact their parents for follow-up action,” he said.

The minister also announced that there would be no more physical distancing in class, but students must keep their face masks on whenever they are in class.

"The one metre gap of students in class has previously caused several constraints. There is no need for the gap in the seating arrangement anymore.

"However, physical distancing is encouraged in situations where face masks are not worn," he said when announcing the new regulations for school operations, today.