Preschools to remain open even if schools close when haze hits hazardous level: Desmond Lee

Should the 24-hour PSI forecast reach hazardous levels, MOE will consider rescheduling O-Level papers in line with the health advisory for younger students, said the education minister.

The A-Level papers are “generally less likely to be affected” because the students are older, he added.

“I know that students have been working very hard to prepare for their national exams and we want to minimise disruption for them,” he added.

If students who are taking the national exams are unwell and unable to take or continue with an exam, they should see a doctor, obtain a medical certificate and apply for special consideration through their schools, said Mr Lee. 

When asked if schools have seen more students taking medical leave in the past few days, Mr Lee said the experience is “variegated” on the ground.

In some areas, the data shows no difference from the same period last year, while other areas are seeing more students falling ill with sore throat, cold and the flu, he added.

“Some of it could be linked to haze, some of it may be due to spreading of other diseases,” he said.

The key is to plan in advance and ensure that the measures are in line with health advisories to safeguard children’s well-being while continuing their education safely, said Mr Lee.