Tightened measures will be implemented in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning from May 17

In line with Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), the Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) will remain open, but with tightened safe management measures (SMMs) from Monday, May 17. 

These additional measures will apply to MOE Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, Special Education schools, junior colleges, Millennia Institute and IHLs.

Both school-based mid-year assessments and the mid-year GCE O-Level and A-Level Mother Tongue Language Examinations will proceed. However, examinations will be held in the classrooms with safe distancing measures.

For IHLs, examinations will be conducted online where practicable. Otherwise, examinations will be reformatted and conducted in classrooms with a maximum class size of 50 students.

To curb the spread of COVID-19, classes will be strictly cohortised and lectures will be capped at 50 people starting from May 17. Group size across all activities will be reduced from five to two people with the new SMMs in place. 

This also applies to IHLs while larger classes or lectures will be held online. All internships and work attachments will continue, with students following the SMMs at the organisations they are attached with. 

School-based activities and after-care arrangements will still continue with the tightened SMMs. Large-scale events will be held online if possible, otherwise it will be cancelled. Other external activities and in-person events will be suspended during this period.

For recess, Schools will be enforcing a fixed seating arrangement with one meter spacing. For IHLs, dining in canteens and dining halls will continue with the new SMMs. 

There are also various SMMs set in place for Private Education Institutes and other Educational Entities.

Private Education Institutions (PEIs) that offer pre-tertiary and tertiary education must follow the tightened national SMMs. They are encouraged to adopt tighter measures with reference to the SMMs for Schools and IHLs.

Private tuitions and enrichment centres are encouraged to opt for online lessons at the default arrangement during this time period. 

If they wish to proceed with in-person classes, they have to comply with the national SMMs. However, in-person singing and wind instruments will be suspended. 

As of now, MOE will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with schools and IHLs to implement the tightened SMMs to ensure the safety of students and staff. They urge all students and staff to consult a doctor immediately if they are feeling unwell as well as continuing to practice good hygiene.