Since June 2, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has extended swab testing for all school staff and students above 12 years old who are diagnosed with acute respiratory infection (ARI).
1,600 students tested as of June 2
According to Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, 1,600 students have been tested as of June 2.
Ong added in his Facebook and Instagram posts: "This is very important. It helps us identify cases early so that we can isolate, quarantine and snub out transmission. Then schools can stay safe and learning can continue."
He also posted a video of a female student undergoing a swab test.
A medical staff dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE) can be seen inserting a long stick up the student's nose.
Ong said in his caption: "It is a bit uncomfortable, but really not too bad, as this young girl shows us."
You can view his full post here:
Five confirmed cases in schools have recovered
On June 7, it was announced that four students and one non-teaching staff have tested positive for Covid-19 as part of the extended surveillance testing.
The five cases are from the following schools:
- Anglican High School
- CHIJ Katong Convent
- CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent
- Geylang Methodist Secondary School
- Hwa Chong Institution
On June 11, Ong shared the good news in a Facebook post that all five cases have tested negative twice, and can be discharged from hospital.
Ong said that the MOE would consider closing individual schools if Covid-19 clusters are discovered within the school, though MOE will "do our best to prevent" such clusters from happening.
Top images from Ong Ye Kung/Instagram.