Arrangement ‘not convenient’ for cross-border students
Students and teaching staff of tertiary and non-tertiary education institutions are required to return to their usual place of residence (Macau, Zhuhai or Zhongshan) 10 days before school starts.
In a statement, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) stated that students and teachers are required to present a negative nucleic acid test (NAT) result of a test taken within 72 hours of the school opening day for inspection by the school.
“If any teacher or student fails to return to his/her usual place of residence as scheduled, the time for such an individual to return to school should be appropriately postponed,” the bureau stated.
However, school principals have requested the DSEDJ release more details of school opening arrangements for cross-
border students and NAT arrangements.
Following the aforementioned guidelines, Choi Nong Chi Tai School principal Vong Kuoc Ieng said that this arrangement allows more time for parents to prepare for school reopening.
“Still, I want the DESDJ to provide more details about Covid-19 infection prevention measures, especially in cross-border students,” said Vong, as cited in a TDM report.
In an attempt to limit overcrowding at border posts, particularly the Qingmao Port, local authorities have imposed a limit of one round trip per day to people crossing at the Qingmao and Border Gate checkpoints.
Vong considered that it is challenging for parents who take their children to school across borders.
“Although the authorities have announced that it has allowed cross-border students to apply, the authorities have not provided details such as how to make an application, and whether schools or relevant departments will collect this application,” Vong added.
Pui Ching Middle School principal Kou Kam Fai has said that he agreed with the requirements for students and teaching staff to do NATs.
“The authority should arrange enough NAT stations so the 80,000 students and teachers will not need to line up for a long time,” said Kou.
“I hope the authorities will consider the impact of bad weather on testing,” Kou further added.
The principal said that the school has not received any notice about whether the NAT will be necessary for as long as the pandemic persists.
He also urges parents to vaccinate children above three years of age before the school year starts.
Subsidized nurseries resume today
The Women’s General Association of Macau is ready for the resumption of nurseries, providing services to 1,000 children.
Due to the reduced risk of infection from Covid-19 in Macau, from August 15 subsidized nurseries and all forms of childcare services will resume, according to the Social Welfare Bureau.
Deputy service director of the Women’s General Association, Cheong Mei Chi, said that the pandemic prevention measures that will be put in place will be the same as those that were in place in June before the present outbreak.
“Most parents reported to the association that they felt under pressure taking care of their children during the nursing services suspension,” Cheong said.
He added that over 90% of the nursing staff have received two doses of vaccination.
Staff Reporter
