SINGAPORE: Nanyang Primary School has placed some classes on home-based learning after several cases of fever, cough and sore throat were detected over the past few days.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said that as of Jan 31, 12pm, 55 cases from Nanyang Primary School were “verified to have acute respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat”.
Of these, 53 are students and two are staff. Two students were hospitalised but have since been discharged, said MOH on Tuesday (Jan 31) in response to CNA’s queries.
“Based on available information from the school, none of the cases have tested positive for COVID-19, and some have tested positive for influenza,” the ministry added.
MOH also said it was advising the school on infection control measures.
In a letter addressed to parents of children in the affected classes, principal Wong Li Peng said home-based learning will be conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday.
She said the school will ensure that affected areas and common areas are cleaned and disinfected appropriately.
Students are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible during home-based learning and avoid meeting up with classmates, wrote Mdm Wong.
CASES DETECTED SINCE THURSDAY
In a separate WhatsApp chat seen by CNA, a message signed off by Mdm Wong said that the school detected cases of fever, cough and sore throat in two classes last Friday.
The school cleaned and disinfected the affected classrooms on the same day, she added.
A subsequent message in the chat said: “We understand there are students from a number of classes across levels who are down with flu symptoms. We are also aware it started since Thursday.”
In another letter to parents on Monday, Mdm Wong said the school strongly encourages mask-wearing in school for the week.
She urged parents and students to continue playing their part by being socially responsible.
“If your child is unwell, he/she should seek medical attention and rest at home until the expiry of his/her medical leave,” she said.
Classrooms and common areas will be cleaned and disinfected appropriately, said Mdm Wong, adding that students will be reminded in class to carry out good hygiene practices, such as a wipe-down routine and frequent washing of hands.
“You may wish to do likewise when they are at home,” she said in her letter.
“The safety of our children is of utmost importance and we will do the necessary to ensure that all the precautionary measures are taken to safeguard their well-being,” she added.
Mdm Wong also reminded parents not to circulate any unconfirmed information.
