Like it or not, we’re all in the stage of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) until 18 August 2021.
In line with the Multi-Ministry Taskforce’s (MTF) announcement, further tightening of safe management measures was done.
This also includes protocols in preschools for the same duration. While the revised measures bring about inconvenience to parents, this was done to safeguard the wellbeing of our children.
Despite so, such measures, unfortunately, can only minimize, and not eradicate, the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
2 Students in Bedok Preschool Tested Positive
A PCF Sparkletots preschool in Bedok was shut for disinfection on Friday and Saturday. This comes after a pair of siblings were tested positive for COVID-19.
One of the infected is from Kindergarten 1, while the other is from Kindergarten 2.
Both siblings last went to the PCF Sparkletots preschool at Block 115 Bedok North Road last Tuesday (July 27).
Contact tracing by MOH is on the way
Ms. Norzaidah Baski, principal of the centre, said that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is doing contact tracing.
Close contacts of the siblings who were tested positive will be notified. Quarantine orders will be given to children and staff members who were identified.
Leave of absence granted as a precautionary measure
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has instructed the preschool to grant a leave of absence (LOA). This was issued to staff members and children who were present when the siblings had been at the centre.
Specifically, the affected parties are:
- Staff members and children from nursery and Kindergarten 1 on the 2nd storey if Block 115
- All Kindergarten 2 children and staff who used a separate space at Block 117 Bedok North Road
Better be safe than sorry.
The LOA took effect on Saturday and will expire on Aug 10 (Tuesday).
ECDA mentioned that this will cover the 2-weeks incubation period from the children’s last appearance at the centre.
With the exceptions of unforeseen developments, principal Ms. Norzaidah said that services will resume on Monday.
This is for children not placed under quarantine or LOA.
Not the first PCF Sparketots centre that shut after children test positive for COVID-19
Just last month in Mid-July, a similar incident unfortunately occurred.
A PCF Sparkletots centre in Choa Chu Kang closed after two children from the same household were COVID-19 positive.
The centre at Block 801 Keat Hong Close was shut for deep cleaning and disinfection of equipment.
When both children were last in the centre, they went through all temperature checks without showing signs of being unwell.
This is why we should always wear masks. Watch this video to the end to learn how masks can help stop COVID-19
Read Also:
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- Pre-School Teacher in Clementi Allegedly Made Child Eat Her Own Vomit & Taped Other Children’s Mouth
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