James Kon
Childcare centres under the jurisdiction of the Community Development Department (JAPEM) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) are set to re-open tomorrow, said the agency in a statement yesterday.
It added that the centres will operate with 80 per cent capacity and under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) amid the third wave of COVID-19 in the Sultanate.
SOPs include three-times-a-week antigen rapid test (ART) screening – on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday – for staff, parents and children while at home; only children aged one and above are allowed at the centre with individual activities; the centre must have adequate ventilation with HEPA filter; and individuals with flu-like symptoms or at high-risk are not allowed entry.
Meanwhile, JAPEM referenced the annnouncement in the March 28 press conference regarding the return of face-to-face learning for all public, private and international schools under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as the MCYS in its decision to re-open the centres. For information, contact the Family, Women and Children Division at 2380704/2384016 or e-mail to childcarecentre@japem.gov.bn.
