Preschools reopen after HMFD outbreak

Preschools reopen after HMFD outbreak

JAKARTA: Preschools closed last week due to hand, foot and
mouth disease (HFMD) reopened on Monday, with teachers and school
staff examining students for symptoms of the sickness.

The Kinderland preschool in North Jakarta, which was closed on
Sept. 26 after seven affected children were discovered, had
fumigated and sterilized the school building and its immediate
surroundings over the course of five days and commenced
activities on Monday.

"Before the children entered classes this morning, we checked
their bodies for rashes and took their body temperature," said
Sapta, a staff member at Kinderland.

The Pembangunan Jaya preschool in Bintaro, Tangerang, resumed
activities on Friday, after closing for three days.

Two students were infected with HFMD virus at the Harapan Ibu
preschool in Kebayoran Lama area, South Jakarta, and caused the
school to temporarily halt activities for a week.

According to the data of the city health agency, there were 58
cases of HFMD reported from August through September, while five
children were admitted to the emergency unit. -- JP