Teachers And Students Exposed To COVID-19, NTB Disdikbud Closes 12 Schools Starting From SMA-SMK And SLB

Head of the Education and Culture Office of NTB, Dr Aidy Furqan. (BETWEEN PHOTO)

MATARAM - The Education and Culture Office (Disdikbud) stated that as many as 12 schools, both high schools, vocational schools and special schools (SLB) in West Nusa Tenggara were temporarily closed from teaching and learning activities due to students and teachers being exposed to COVID-19.

"So far, we have closed 12 schools temporarily. There are SMA, SMK and SLB," said Head of the NTB Education and Culture Office, Aidy Furqan in Mataram, Antara, Tuesday, February 15.

A total of 12 schools that were temporarily closed were spread across the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa, such as in Mataram City, West Lombok Regency, and Sumbawa as well as one special school in West Lombok Regency.

"The total number of children who have been exposed to COVID-19 is 39 people. That's not even the teachers and the number is almost the same as the students who are exposed. In SLB, the teachers are exposed," he said.

He explained that of the dozens of students and teachers who were exposed to COVID-19, his party did not know where these students and teachers could be exposed. "Whether exposed at school or met outside, we don't know," he said.

According to him, following up on the number of students and teachers who were exposed to COVID-19, and in accordance with the 4 Ministerial Decree, in addition to temporary school closures, his party has also made a policy not to apply face-to-face learning (PTM) in full starting Friday, February 11.

Even though the PTM is not in full, according to him, learning will still be carried out, but it is adjusted to the conditions at the respective regional level.

"Because Mataram has entered Level 3 and there are schools that are positive, we will close 3x24 hours or 5x24 hours according to the Decree of the 4 Ministers. But this is temporary, especially for final year students who still have to study because they are two months away from studying before taking the final exam, " he said.

However, apart from that, his party appealed to all students and teachers to continue to comply with health protocols and maintain the school environment so as to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

"The process must not be ignored so that we don't lose to this pandemic," said Aidy Furqan.