covid-19 virus in schools

Community cases in Singapore are double digit once again after reports of five people from five different schools have been found to have contracted the coronavirus. Three of the schools are located in the East, one in the west and another in the south. All five infected were screened when entering their schools but did not have a fever or any visible symptoms.

There are a total of 14 community infections today, up from 7 community cases the day before. Since the beginning of June, Singapore’s community covid-19 cases have toggle between double-digits high of 15 to single-digit low of four on June 2.

Schools re-opened on 2 June this tuesday after a two months long circuit breaker. Barely a week later, four students and one non teaching staff from Hwa Chong Institution, CHIJ Katong Convent, CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent, Geylang Methodist Secondary School and Anglican High have been tested positive for Covid-19 virus. In addition to these cases, the Ministry of Health later confirmed today that is a sixth case, a 16-year-old Chinese national, from Ascensia International School.

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covid-19 virus in schools

CHIJ Katong Convent

covid-19 virus in schools

CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent

Geylang Methodist Secondary

Anglican High School

According to Straits Times, three of the five cases had onset of symptoms on June 3, while another two started showing symptoms n June 2 and May 31. It is estimated that 29 staff and 100 students were in contact with the confirmed cases in school. All have since been issued a 14-day Leave of Absence (LOA) by MOE or Home Quarantine Order (HQO)

Last month, concerned parents left messages on Facebook urging the Minister to reconsider making school mandatory. Singaporean parent Angie Chan has even started a petition to test all school staff as she fears that there will be potential transmission risks in schools. So far, 1917 people have signed and she is hoping to get 2,500 supporters.

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