The education ministry has allowed all private schools to continue to provide a number of services as long as they follow its standard operating procedures (SOPs) after receiving a permit. Heng Chivoan
All private schools in the country can continue to provide a number of services, according to a letter signed by Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron on October 22, as long as they follow the ministry-provided standard operating procedures (SOPs) after receiving a permit.
Services related to transport, library, canteen and sports activities can be resumed, the letter said.
“All education establishments can put all these into action by carrying out the SOPs strictly and consistently with a high sense of responsibility. In the case that the ministry sees that an education establishment fails to follow this procedure, it will take various measures,” the letter said.
According to the SOPs on student transport, libraries, sports education, arts and canteen services at public and private schools in the context of Covid-19, school vans need to be disinfected before and after transporting students. Windows have to open for good ventilation. If the air-conditioner is on, the temperature should not be lower than 24 degrees Celsius.
The SOPs state: “Drivers and students have to wear masks or face coverings properly and regularly when travelling in a van. Students have their temperatures checked before getting in a van. If a student has a fever of more than 37.5C or has a cold, he or she is not allowed to get in the van and must look for proper treatment.
“Students have to wash their hands 20 minutes before getting in the van and maintain distance [from each other] while sitting. Surfaces and frequently touched materials need to be disinfected regularly.
“Librarians and learners have to wear masks or face coverings regularly and maintain social distancing. Cooks and food vendors have to be hygienic and foods have to be cooked well.”
Education ministry spokesman Ros Soveacha told The Post on October 25 that private schools can resume after they acknowledge the SOPs.
“The ministry would like to send a message to all service providers and service recipients concerning this case to continue to exercise increased caution in carrying out the SOPs laid out by the ministry in August,” he said.
Sann Sokhom, the principal of Angkor Cambodia School in Takeo province’s Tram Kak district, told The Post on October 25 that his school has been transporting students since October 5 and correctly following the ministry’s guidance.
“We only allow 15 students in a van and we carry out the SOPs strictly and consistently,” Sokhom said.
