KUCHING: Unvaccinated teachers who are eligible are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 not just to protect themselves but also those around them.
Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president Adam Prakash Abdullah said the union has been supporting the call by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health (MOH) for all teachers to be vaccinated.
“However there are a small number who have not done so and soon will be back in the classroom with the children.
“We are worried for these teachers as they are not protected and it is a big risk for them to be in the classroom or even in the vicinity of their schools,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when asked about unvaccinated teachers given permission to teach in physical classes when schools reopen.
He said teachers, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not, will soon be teaching again.
“Thus, our advice to the unvaccinated teachers is to be responsible and not put everyone else in danger,” he said.
Adam also said that STU is happy to note that the MOE is doing its best to have lessons conducted face to face and that co-curricular activities be carried out in a safe manner.
“Even though there is a new standard operating procedure (SOPs) for the implementation of classroom teaching and co-curricular activities, STU stll urges all teachers, students and parents to continue to practise good hygiene habits and wear face masks whenever and wherever necessary.
“There is no harm using the masks to keep safe,” he said.
He also urged parents to continue to support teachers and school managements to keep children safe by making sure that they continue to comply with the SOPs inside school premises.
