By: Alfisyah Dianasari )*
Face-to-face learning (PTM) for elementary-high school students has been held for the past few weeks. However, all parties are expected to strictly adhere to the Health Protocol (Prokes) as the key to the success of these activities from the transmission of the Corona virus, especially the Omicron variant.
For almost 2 years the students have distanced schools because they are more at risk for contracting Corona. Online schools are an alternative for fear of creating new Corona clusters, especially at the beginning of the national vaccination program there is only a vaccine for humans aged 18 years and over, while elementary-high school students are still under it.
However, we should breathe a sigh of relief because since the end of 2021 Corona cases have been decreasing and there are only 500 Covid patients per day (according to data from the Covid-19 task force team), from the previous up to 50,000 per day. Therefore, the government decided to 100% face-to-face learning since early January 2022.
The Madiun Regency Government also applies 100% face-to-face learning (PTM), the same as in DKI Jakarta and other regions in Indonesia. The Regent of Madiun H Ahmad Damawi stated that the full PTM was implemented based on a joint decree of 4 ministers. In addition, the students have also been vaccinated, so it is certain that the process is safe from Corona.
Vaccination and health protocols are absolute requirements for the implementation of PTM, because currently there is a vaccine for those aged 6-11 years, so it is safe to reopen elementary and junior high school buildings. In addition, the teachers have also been vaccinated beforehand, along with all school staff. They also adhere to health protocols.
Everyone at school already understands the procedures for health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands, using hand sanitizers, maintaining distance, reducing mobility, etc. During teaching and learning hours, both students and teachers and students never take off their masks for safety and health reasons. They also bring spare masks because a sheet of mask can only be used for a maximum of 4 hours.
There are also faucets and soap near the school gates for washing hands and after cleaning their hands, the students cannot be polite to the teacher as usual. To minimize physical contact, greetings are held remotely and are still considered polite because currently it is still a pandemic. Social distancing is also enforced so that teachers remind their students not to play in groups.
Meanwhile, the implementation of PTM in Riau also went smoothly and no new Corona clusters were found. This was stated by Kamsol, Head of the Education Office in Riau Province. When there are no Covid cases due to PTM, it shows that all parties really comply with the 10m health protocol.
However, Kamsol reminded that teachers and all staff should not be careless and must be aware of the smallest possibility of Corona transmission. Students are always reminded to wear masks in the correct position, as well as the guardians of students who are picking up their children. The Education Office also helps supervise the implementation of vaccinations for students aged 6-11 years which are held in schools.
When there is PTM, the parents are happy because they can entrust their children to teachers at school and no longer have to worry about Zoom, modules, and online school processions. However, they must also be reminded to discipline their children to comply with health protocols at school.
100% face-to-face learning is held because Corona cases have decreased but we must not let go of vigilance. Stay orderly in implementing health protocols and wearing masks when at school or on the go.
)* The author is a contributor to Citizen Journalism living in Depok
