Stricter Covid-19 Measures for Schools

This article is part of an editorial series on Covid-19

Students must return to fixed exam-style seating at schools across Singapore under stricter Covid-19 measures due to be introduced from Saturday (May 8). Group sizes in all activities will be reduced from eight to five people, the overall capacity for activities such as lectures cannot exceed 50, and school trips in public spaces must be suspended.

These are some of the latest measures announced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) on Tuesday to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Singapore. The new restrictions apply to all international schools, MOE kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, special education schools, junior colleges, Millennia Institute and institutes of higher learning. These measures will take effect until May 30.

In tandem with the national roll-out, the TraceTogether SafeEntry system – a national digital check-in system that enables contact tracers to find close contacts of infected cases – will be implemented in all schools from May 17. Students will be expected to have their TT token or app with them throughout the school day, and all visitors and staff must check in at school campuses using their TT token or app.

The MOE said:

"The latest measures aim to reduce intermingling of students across schools/institutions and minimise external activities, while ensuring that teaching and learning continue."