20 March 2020
Dear Parents
The Ministry of Education (MOE) had earlier advised students, parents and staff to review their travel plans and refrain from travel overseas, in line with travel advisories from the Ministry of Health (MOH). In view of the heightened risk of importation of COVID-19 cases into Singapore, MOH had announced on 18 March 2020 that a 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) will be issued to returning Singapore Residents, Long Term Pass holders, and short term visitors from all countries, with effect from 20 Mar 2359hrs.
MOE had further announced on 19 March 2020 that schools, kindergartens and preschools will open after the March holidays on 23 March 2020. To ensure that schools continue to be a safe environment for students and staff, all students and staff of schools, preschools and student care centres who have been out of Singapore on or after 14 March will be issued a 14-day Leave of Absence (LOA). Day zero of the 14 days will commence from the date of their return to Singapore. Affected students and staff must stay away from the school and preschool for the duration of their LOA.
Enhanced hygiene and additional precautionary measures will also be put in place at schools. This includes a thorough cleaning of schools over the March holidays, as well as additional precautionary measures like fixed exam-style seating for some groups of students, and wipe-down routines in classrooms. More details on the measures can be found at https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/
*Private schools are strongly advised to take reference from these measures. Students and staff who are placed on LOA from the mainstream schools, or who are placed on SHN, should not attend class at the private school during the LOA or SHN period, and should only return to class after completion of the LOA or SHN.
Please contact your MOE inspector or email to moe_pss@moe.gov.sg if you require any assistance or clarifications.