Schools In Solo Will Start Face-to-Face Learning In July, Gibran Asks Parents To Pick Up Their Children

Wali Kota Solo Gibran Rakabuming / Antara

JAKARTA - Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, confirmed that schools are ready to hold face-to-face learning (PTM), which is planned to be held in July 2021.

"I have seen that the preparation at SMPN 4 is quite good, before entering the gate the children are checked for temperature, immediately wash their hands, then they can enter their classes", said Gibran in the middle of a Mider Projo (an activity to greet residents by cycling) activity in Solo, Central Java, as reported by Antara, Friday, March 5.

Although it is hoped that they can start face-to-face learning in the middle of this year, he said, the number of students who take part is still limited, namely 50 percent following the PTM and 50 percent still participating online.

"Those who take part in the PTM must ensure that they keep their distance, use the Faceshield, turn off the air conditioner, open the windows to improve air circulation. What is done by SMPN 4 Surakarta needs to be imitated by other schools", he said.

He said that currently, the Surakarta City Government is still pursuing vaccinations for teachers and school staff. Thus, when the PTM is implemented, the students will be safe.

Meanwhile, regarding a number of parents who asked about the possibility of giving vaccines to students, he said, so far there has been no instruction from the Ministry of Health.

"What is clear is that this vaccine is not for individual immunity, but for group immunity. If teachers are vaccinated, automatically, school immunity will also be protected, especially for children", he said.

He also asked parents of students to remain proactive in escorting students while participating in PTM, including taking their children to school and pick them up after.

"So that they go and come home in good health when they are not fit, they should not be forced to go to school. God willing, in July, it will run smoothly and gradually increase", he said.

On the same occasion, the Principal of SMPN 4 Surakarta, Muryanti said the school had made preparations for learning facilities and infrastructure.

"Even the parents of the students are ready. They are already waiting, just waiting for directions from the mayor. The mayor said that there should not be a new cluster", Muryati said.