Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) suggests education officials and schools in Bangkok to implement appropriate measures to deal with the COVID-19 situation as the first term of 2021 academic year is approaching.
Mr. Kriangyos Sudlabha, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, presided over the opening of video conference on “moving forward education policy into action during the situation of COVID-19 outbreak in the area of Bangkok Metropolis”. In this conference, officials in charge of education and school administrators were informed of work implementation guidelines; had mutually created better understanding in terms of policies, directions, and implementation framework; and had prepared for the opening of the first term of the academic year 2021 on June 1, 2021.
In this connection, all BMA affiliated schools were strongly advised to prepare plans to cope with any critical situations using lessons learned from the past year to adapt to the current situation. All necessary information must be updated such as name list of students and their parents together with contact channels.
In terms of learning and teaching, schools will provide make-up classes in order that students fulfill all requirements according to the curriculum after the opening of the term. Make-up classes can be taken at school or via other channels based on the readiness of students, one way or another or mixed together. In terms of safety and security, all schools were directed to check all tools and equipment such as CCTV cameras and intensify measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the BMA affiliated schools. Everyone must be urged to wear sanitary or fabric face mask. Frequency of cleaning sessions at the school’s common areas must be increased. Learning and teaching must be conducted in well-ventilated rooms and places and maintain appropriate social/physical distancing based on the area capacity. The number of parents and people who come to school must be restricted to reduce overcrowding.
Moreover, body temperature checking and screening point must be set up for students, teachers and education personnel of the BMA, school personnel, and all visitors. Especially, all students must have their body temperature checked 3 times a day, namely, before entering school, having lunch, and going back home.
Appropriate physical distancing while students having meals must be arranged. School may consider arranging staggered breaking times or provide places for having meals that do not overcrowded. All students must be encouraged to frequently wash their hands. Parents must be informed to check health conditions of their child before taking them to school. If any children have fever, cough, sneeze or other symptoms, they must stay at home for self-observation or meet the doctor. In this case, the parents are requested to inform the school regarding the student’s illness. In case that school found student who is suspected of having COVID-19, the school must isolate the student from others and report the case to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Emergency Medical Service Center or Erawan Center of the BMA Medical Service Department or the BMA public health center in the area to evaluate the case based on the criteria of disease investigation. In addition, teachers and education personnel who have close contact with students are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccine for their safety as well as the safety of students and the general public.
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