What should be done to curb the spread of Covid in schools?

Many schools across the country have reopened, but parents are concerned about outbreaks of Covid-19 and fear that prevention measures in schools may be inadequate. Vientiane Times asked for opinions on what should be done to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Children sit at separate desks at a school in Vientiane.

Ms Duangsy Keonakhone, a resident of Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: I have some grandchildren at school and their parents and I are worried about their safety with regard to Covid. I think every school should ensure that virus prevention measures are adequate and continue to follow the government’s guidelines in this respect. Children and staff should have their temperature checked before they enter school each day. Washbasins and soap should be provided so they can wash their hands, and everyone should have to wear a face mask both in and outside of classrooms. All schools should ensure they have adequate supplies of soap, hand sanitiser, face masks and thermometers. And a room should be set aside where children or staff can go if they feel unwell, and they should be taken to a hospital if Covid is suspected. Even though there may be no known cases of Covid in a school, staff should continue to ensure that all the standard safety measures are complied with.
 
Mr Bounkham Santisouk, a resident of Sisattanak district, Vientiane: I think it’s great that schools are reopening so that children can have face-to-face lessons again, which is so much better than having classes online. There are many steps that staff can take to keep Covid in check, and teachers should always remind students about ways to stop the spread of the virus. Teachers and students can protect themselves by regularly using hand sanitiser, wearing a face mask and following the rules on social distancing both in and outside school. They should also encourage their friends and families to follow these rules. As we know, Covid-19 can cause serious illness, so everyone should do whatever they can to stay safe.
 
Ms Inteum, a resident of Sikhottabong district, Vientiane: Every school should comply with Covid prevention measures, such as daily temperature checks for teachers and students, requiring staff and pupils to wear face masks and having spare masks on hand to give to those who don’t already have one. Washbasins, soap and sanitiser must be provided and children should be seated one or two metres apart. There should also be a room where children and staff can go if they develop Covid symptoms, and they should be isolated before being taken to hospital. School managers and teachers should closely monitor students and remind them to maintain social distancing during break times. Schools should also ask parents to wear a face mask when they pick up their children or bring them to school. And every school should have enough classrooms and desks to ensure that children can sit a safe distance apart.
Mr Pern, a teacher in Xayaboury province: Like many other schools, mine has reopened for face-to-face classes. We are doing our best to prevent an outbreak of Covid by strictly following the rules laid down by the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Taskforce on Covid-19 Prevention and Control. To make sure that everyone is safe, teachers and students get daily temperature checks. The school also provides washbasins and hand sanitiser for use by teachers and students and asks everyone to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing at all times. There is a problem with social distancing during lessons because my school doesn’t have enough rooms to spread everyone out so that they are one metre apart. However, we’re trying to find a solution to this. We may divide classes into two sessions, with one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, so that every class can safely meet for lessons each day.

By Visith Teppalath
   (Latest Update February 21, 2021)