Don't Close Schools Fearing SARS, Principals Told

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei schools were not to panic or close their schools without government permission during the current Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak sweeping the neighbouring regions.

In preparation the Education Ministry has set up an Ad Hoc Committee to handle the fast spreading disease that has affected Singapore, China Hong Kong and other areas.

The ministry therefore held a meeting to introduce a plan of action to handle SARS concerning all learning institutions yesterday.

The scheme covers government and non-government high learning institutions, colleges, secondary and primary schools nationwide it was announced yesterday.

The Special Duties Officer Dr Haji Latif in his SARS briefing underlined SARS update and development.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Schools Dayang Hajah Apsa in her briefing on the plan of action of the ministry to handle SARS said the plan of action underline several integrated actions of the Education Ministry if SARS cases occur in the sultanate.

Speaking to the principals, headmasters and representatives of the higher institutions in the sultanate, Dayang Hajah Apsa also advised them not to overreact on SARS cases.

They were also advised not to close schools without first consulting the Education Ministry.

The plans of action are if there is no SARS case in the sultanate, all schools and colleges and higher institution need not close.

However all parties should follow the relevant advice and instructions not to visit places where SARS cases have occurred in taking precautionary steps.

The Education Ministry have set up SARS operation room with telephone numbers 238 0620 or 238 1224 during office hours or 886 4945 after office hours.

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