School hours shifted in Banjarbaru to respond thick smog

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Banjarbaru Education Agency took a policy to shift school hours in respond to smog which lately getting thicker as a result of land fire in the city.

"From the usual school hour of 07.30 a.m., now learning begins at 8.00 or 9.00 a.m. to see the condition of smog," Head Coaching of Junior School of Banjarbaru Education Agency Alamsyah, Wednesday.

Teachers were also asked to decrease outdoor activities for students, including flag hoisting ceremony, sports, and others.

"All school residents should wear mouth mask to reduce the impact of health disturbance from acute respiratory infection (ISPA)," Alamsyah remarked.

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The agency in its circular letter reminded schools to be aware of ashma history of their students, in case if anything happen will be responded quickly.

If the haze is getting worsen, schools should coordinate with the agency to take necessary action.

"For a decision to dismiss school,  we will consider Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) from the Health Agency," he pointed out.

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Meanwhile, the state junior high school SMPN 15 Banjarbaru on Jalan Tegal Arum, Syamsudin Noor Urban Village, was noted as the worse of education facility impacted by smog. The fire was only about three meters from the class rooms at the backside of the school.

Students complained of haze that occured everyday. Even the fire flared up at the burning land, while they were learning.

"Hopefully the fire to quickly end, we can't withstand to inhale smog. Sore throat, sore eyes," said Dila Artika, a student of IX D grade.