As part of stepped-up monitoring in conjunction with the reopening of preschools on 2 June 2020, all preschools and Early Intervention staff are undergoing a one-time swab test. The tests commenced on 15 May 2020 and are scheduled to complete by end-May 2020.
2 During this proactive testing of all staff, we would expect some positive cases to be identified. So far, about 10,400 preschool staff have tested negative. Three preschool staff have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection.
3 As a precautionary measure, ECDA has directed that a 14-day Leave of Absence be issued for the small group of children and staff who were recently present with the confirmed cases in the preschools. Contact tracing by the Ministry of Health (MOH) is ongoing. Close contacts will then be placed on Quarantine Order by MOH.
4 The preschools are closed for 2 days for thorough cleaning and disinfection of the preschool premises and may resume services for children and staff who are not on Leave of Absence. The preschools will also be required to adhere to enhanced safe management measures put out on 19 May 2020 under “COVID-Safe ABCs” – COVID-Safe Access, COVID-Safe Behaviours, and COVID-Safe Classrooms, to reduce the risk of transmission within each preschool.
5 The tests for the remaining preschool staff are ongoing. ECDA is monitoring the situation closely, and will work with the management, staff, parents and children at the preschools to ensure the safety and well-being of all.