KUANTAN: The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak has forced the Community Development Department (Kemas) to close 180 children's preschools (tabika) and nurseries (taska) nationwide.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said till yesterday, 105 tabika and 75 taska had been ordered to be closed after the outbreak was detected at the respective premises.
"So far, only tabika and taska in both Negri Sembilan and Melaka recorded zero cases while preschools and nurseries in other states have reported HFMD cases. The affected premises will be closed for about 10 days until it is safe to reopen for lessons and other activities to resume.
"Each time, when the Kemas staff identifies the first case (at the premises) they will immediately report to the health department for further advice. The preschools and nurseries will be closed depending on the seriousness of the cases and will be done on the advice of the health authorities," he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri gathering with Pahang Kemas staff here today.
Mahdzir said the final decision to close the Kemas preschools and nurseries, which comes under the purview of the Rural Development Ministry, will be decided by the health department.
"Kemas staff are required to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) and take early preventive measures, including monitoring the health status of the children. When there is an outbreak, Kemas will alert the health department and not wait until the cases become severe (more children affected).
"Each time after the end of the daily lessons, teachers will check if the children display any HFMD symptoms and if there are cases, the parents will be advised to bring their children to meet the doctor," he said, adding all the 12,043 Tabika teachers and 1,837 Taska teachers nationwide have been advised on the SOP for HFMD.
He said students, where the Tabika is closed due to HFMD, will have to follow home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) via the online platform.
Mahdzir reminded parents of young children to avoid sending children who show symptoms or signs of infection to preschools and nurseries.