The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport instructed government bodies and other institutions involved in education to limit classrooms to no more than 20 students, as well as to instigate and improve health and Covid-safe practices, amid jitters over a potential Omicron-fuelled wave.

In an instruction issued on January 20, education minister Hang Chuon Naron ordered proper mask use and strict compliance with social distancing norms at public and private institutions.

“Regular health and wellness checks are mandatory for teachers, education staff and students, and anyone with a temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher, or exhibiting symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath must be advised to seek health care, and allowed to take time off until their condition has improved,” he said.

The minister suggested larger institutions by enrolment to divide classes into shifts, or arrange for others to participate online.