KUCHING: The Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) suggests an explanation is required from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) on the decision to reopen schools.
SPA secretary David Hii Chin Loung in a statement issued today said that SDMC should explain its decision to reopen schools after a risk assessment.
“They should at least explain to the public on how the risk assessment was done or why those schools are considered to safe to open.
“The parents and/or caretakers of the children would be relieved to know that their children would be safe to attend school,” he added.
“We have to consider the teachers and other adults at the school have not been vaccinated and children are not able to take the vaccines as well,” he stated.
This is following the decision of SDMC on Friday to reopen 1,045 schools for physical classes on Monday next week. Another 220 schools in Covid-19 high risk area will remain closed.
The association believes that the public and the parents have a right to know the method of the risk assessment for those particular schools to reopen.
“At least for them to have a peace of mind and being informed, they can make their decision whether to send their children to school or not,” he added.
He added that for those parents who decided not to send their children back to school until they believe it is safe, they should at least give options to participate in online classes.
Hii also noted that the Covid-19 cases in Kuching are low for the time being, but were unsure if the number of cases dropping or people not going for swab test.
“Be that as it may, we all have to play our part which is to adhere to the SOPs and practise good hygiene and social distancing,” he concluded.
