Meanwhile, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said that there is “no need for a face mask mandate in schools”.
“Only students with symptoms or a medical condition that may put them at high risk, should be wearing face masks,” said MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Dr Muruga advised that it is more important to wash or sanitise hands than to wear face masks.
“As an added preventive measure, schools can get their teachers and students to self test themselves once on Sunday evenings ahead of school on Monday. But this should only be for a brief period, to prevent any outbreaks in schools after the Raya holidays,” he said.
He also stressed that children need to build a strong immune system by observing a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking up sports activities.
“We also have to take steps to look after our health – a key point that hasn’t been sufficiently emphasised. A person with a weak immune system will have an increased risk of severe COVID-19,” he said.
Since September last year, the use of face masks on school premises was no longer mandatory but was encouraged. Currently, masks only need to be worn on public transport and in healthcare facilities as well as for those who have tested positive.
According to Berita Harian, Dr Zaliha revealed on Tuesday that six cases of the Arcturus subvariant were detected in Klang Valley, bringing the number of infected cases to 12 so far.
Source: CNA
