Social Distancing
The MOH advocated the practice of social distancing during the outbreak of
SARS. The sole intention of social distancing was of course to limit physical
interactions and close contact in public areas thereby slowing the rate of transmission.
As a result, all pre-school centers, after-school centers, primary and secondary
schools, and junior colleges were closed from 27 March to 6 April 2003. School
children who had stricken siblings were advised to stay home for at least 10 days.
Moreover, students who showed flu-like symptoms or had travelled to other affected
countries were automatically granted a 7-day Leave of Absence and home-based
learning program were instituted for those affected. Extracurricular activities were
also scaled down to minimize social contact. Meanwhile, the MOH also advised