Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has called out to the public to refrain from sending kids to school if they are showing symptoms of Covid-19.
During the recent press conference held in relation to the Maldives Covid-19 situation, pediatric infections expert of Technical Advisory Group (TAG), Dr. Nazla Musthafa stated that any children, teachers or parents showing symptoms of any sickness, even if it is not Covid-19, must not be around the school premises.
Dr. Nazla noted that some parents believe that it is okay to send their kids to school after giving them medication when they exhibit symptoms of illnesses such as a common cold. However, Dr. Nazla stated that it is not safe to do so, especially when preventive measures are being taken to control the situation of the pandemic.
Furthermore, Dr. Nazla highlighted that more people are expected to be seen outside since restrictions have been eased following the drop in positive case numbers. Therefore, she warned that it is important to follow safety guidelines and follow protocols set by HPA, to prevent seeing another rise in cases.
It is to be noted that a lot of parents send their kids to school after giving them some paracetamol when they exhibit flu like symptoms. Please prevent sending your kids to school when such symptoms are seen. We also urge that teachers and parents not go near school premises if they exhibit symptoms. Furthermore, we encourage those who show symptoms to get tested immediately.”Dr. Nazla Musthafa
As the new academic year begins on the 10th of August, the times that schools begin their first period will change within the first two weeks and the Education Ministry has provided certain protocols that schools must follow to be as safe as possible.
All teachers and other employees at schools have been asked to complete both vaccine doses, while HEOC will soon launch a campaign to give Pfizer vaccine to children between the ages of 12 to 17.
