Education Ministry discusses mandatory use of face masks in schools

KUALA LUMPUR - The Education Ministry held a special discussion on Thursday following the emergence of the new Omincron subvariant, Arcturus, in Malaysia.

The discussion also included suggestions on reinstating mandatory face masks in schools following the ministry's recommendation.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the special discussions were to find the best solutions for the health and safety of all students who will begin school next week.

"This morning a special discussion was chaired on the Covid-19 transmission issue and the suggestions to use face masks to find the best solution for the health and safety of the children going back to school next week," she said on Twitter on Thursday.

Sinar on Wednesday that the Health Ministry has suggested mandatory face masks in schools to curb the hike in Covid-19 cases following the new XBB.1.16 variant outbreak.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she will hold a meeting with Fadhlina before schools reopen on May 2.

She added that guidelines on standard operating procedures involving students in schools will be released before the end of the Eid holidays.