Yogyakarta Plans Random COVID-19 Tests To Schools

ILLUSTRATION/BETWEEN

YOGYAKARTA - The Yogyakarta City Education, Youth and Sports Office plans to conduct random COVID-19 tests to schools that hold face-to-face learning. Tracking is carried out to ensure that there is no transmission of COVID-19 cases in schools.

"Since face-to-face learning (PTM) was held again until now, there has never been a random test. Later, we will coordinate with the Health Office," said Secretary of the Yogyakarta City Education, Youth and Sports Office, Dedi Budiono, quoted by Antara, Friday, October 22.

According to him, the Yogyakarta City Education, Youth, and Sports Office does not have the capacity to conduct random tests for COVID-19, so it is necessary to coordinate with the offices that have the capacity to administer random tests.

“Maybe next week we will write to the Health Office to request a random test. I hope it can be implemented," he said.

Dedi said the condition of PTM in Yogyakarta City, especially for 6th grade elementary and junior high school students, was going well and there were no reports related to the emergence of case transmission in schools.

“So far, face-to-face learning activities can be held safely and smoothly. All schools have organized it," he said.

In the city of Yogyakarta, there are 65 public and private junior high schools and 160 public and private elementary schools.

Even though there were no cases of transmission in schools and cases of transmission in Yogyakarta and DIY tended to fall, Dedi reminded schools to continue to strictly enforce health protocols.

“You must always consistently carry out health protocols according to standard operating procedures for PTM. It should not be negligent even though the cases have dropped," he said.

To ensure that all schools continue to adhere to strict health protocols, the Yogyakarta City Education, Youth and Sports Office will also make regular visits to schools.

Dedi added that the number of students participating in PTM at school also increased along with the increasing number of parents who gave permission to their children to take part in teaching and learning activities directly at school.

“Almost 90 percent of students take PTM. But still regulated according to the capacity of the school. Some go to school twice a week or take turns with other classes,” he said.

For students who are still doing online learning, he said, facilities are still provided and there is no coercion from schools to take PTM.