Preschools, Primary Schools and SPED Schools to Receive Antigen Rapid Test Kits

1. As Singapore transits to being a COVID-19 resilient nation, prompt testing for COVID-19 infection would become a key measure in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the preschools and primary schools where most of our student population are not yet medically eligible for vaccination. As part of the enhanced testing efforts to ensure the school environment remains safe, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will conduct a one-off distribution of Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits from 13 September to all students and staff in ECDA-licensed preschools, Early Intervention (EI) centres¹, primary schools and SPED schools (primary/junior sections). Each student and staff will receive three ART kits, in addition to those that each household will receive as part of the nationwide distribution exercise.

2. The ART kits will allow students to do a quick test by themselves (or with parents/guardians' supervision/assistance if necessary) when there is possible exposure or suspicion of possible infection. This includes students who:

• Are identified by their school as possible contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case but were not placed on Quarantine Order;
• Are on Approved Absence as they were feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms, but were not swabbed when visiting the doctor; or
• Have unwell household members with flu-like symptoms.

3. Staff and students will be receiving the ART kits, which will have instructions on appropriate usage and disposal enclosed within. Primary schools and their MOE Kindergartens as well as SPED schools will be engaging parents to do a one-time familiarisation exercise sometime in mid-September on the use of the ART kit. This is to ensure that parents and children are familiar with the procedures to do an ART swab test at home, as these may be used more regularly in the coming months to facilitate the safe return of students to school. More details on the familiarisation exercise will be separately provided to parents by the respective schools later. Preschools will similarly be engaging parents on the use of the ART kits after the kits are progressively distributed from mid-September, and more details will be shared later.

4. We strongly urge parents and students to play their part by continuing to be socially responsible. If feeling unwell, students and staff should seek medical attention immediately, and not come to school. When there is possible exposure or suspicion of possible infection, we encourage students and staff to do a quick test. Pre-emptive self-testing and the close monitoring of one's health will be crucial in ensuring a safe community as we transit to a COVID-19 resilient nation.

Footnotes

1. Centres offering government funded programmes such as the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) and the Pilot for Private Intervention Providers (PPIP).