MOE Comic Differentiates LOA, SHN & Quarantine, Assures Teachers Check On Affected Students

MOE Breaks Down Covid-19 Lingo In Comic Form, Explaining LOA, SHN & Quarantine Orders

Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, the authorities have implemented various measures, such as Leave Of Absence (LOA), Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and Quarantine Orders (QO).

While these restrictions have become familiar to many, students may still find them confusing, especially if they, their families or their schools are affected.

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In order to help students gain a clearer understanding of the measures, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has put together a comic strip to explain the lingo that we have been using amid the outbreak.

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Even the healthy can be subject to restrictions

Firstly, MOE spells out exactly what the acronyms stand for:

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And right off the bat, it debunks the myth that the orders are served to people who are unwell.

In fact, most of the people served with the notices are well.

In fact, those serving LOAs and SHNs are healthy people with no links to Covid-19 patients.

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However, those under QO might have such connections.

MOE comic breaks down different Covid-19 orders

So what is the difference between receiving these 3 types of orders?

According to the comic, those who are issued LOAs should minimise any non-essential trips out of their homes.

This means that they can leave home to buy food, but shouldn’t stay out to hang out with others. Also, they need to be contactable at all times when out of the house.

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On the other hand, individuals on SHN cannot leave home at all, not for any reason. Violators will face punishment.

They also should refrain from interacting with people at home.

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Thus, an SHN can be described as a stricter version of an LOA. While those on LOA can still leave home, those on SHN will face a penalty should they leave their home for any reason.

Lastly, the most serious order would be the QO.

Those who are under this mandatory quarantine not only aren’t allowed to leave their home, they can’t interact with other people either, including family members. This means complete self-isolation.

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Singaporeans on QOs would have to abide by these restrictions absolutely, as “serious” punishments can be implemented.

Schools depending on e-learning

MOE also reassured students that those on Covid-19 restrictions will be taken care of in terms of schoolwork.

Not only will teachers check up on students’ well-being and update them on schoolwork, but schools will turn to online platforms to ensure their students keep up with their studies.

The Student Learning Space portal is one of MOE’s efforts to ensure all students have access to resources — even those under LOA, SHN or QO.

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Fighting Covid-19 together

The comic ends on a comforting note, urging all to remain calm, as the risk of infection from brief contact is low.

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Kudos to MOE for the easy-to-understand graphic that clears up any confusion as to the various restrictions.

Indeed, since there are no plans to close schools as of yet, students might need some reassurance that the authorities are in control of the situation.

We should stay socially responsible and keep tabs on our personal health. Do stay home if you are sick and practice social distancing if possible.

Featured image adapted from Facebook.