KUCHING: Given the current outbreak of the Covid-19 Delta strain, parents are divided on whether or not to send their children to school.
The majority of them do not want to risk the safety of their children.
Hamzah Rambili, 39, opposed the reopening of schools as he believed that it was still risky.
“Since children under the age of 18 are still unable to participate in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP), I believe it is best that schools remain closed until they are vaccinated, then only can we reconsider,” said the general worker.
Hamzah further emphasised the importance of teachers getting vaccinated but stated his main concern was for the schoolchildren.
“Because they are still young, their immunity may not be at its optimum, therefore, we do not want to jeopardise their lives by putting them in such a dangerous situation.”
Similarly, Mohd Sufian Dahiyat, 38, believed that the reopening of schools should be put on hold.
“Even those who have been vaccinated are at risk of contracting the virus, let alone those (students) who have no protection. It is better to be safe than sorry,” said the prison officer.
Mohd Sufian stated that despite some parents struggling to assist their children with online lessons (PdPR), it was in the children’s best interests to remain at home.
“All parties should continue to benefit from PdPR lessons in order to meet the needs of both teachers and students while also safeguarding the children from the virus by allowing them to study at home.”
In contrast, Norliza Kassim, 51, said she supported the reopening of schools if all teachers had been vaccinated and strict health and safety guidelines were adopted and closely monitored.
“The children have been out of school for nearly two years now and have missed out on a lot of things. Learning in a classroom compared to online is undoubtedly different.
“In order to avoid large crowds at school, the school should establish a timetable for students to follow, reducing half of the class per session,” she recommended.
Norliza added that in order to be safer, only schools in green zones should be allowed to open.
“At the very least, we should try to adjust to the situation gradually and see where things go from there,” the public servant said.
