Schools across Singapore conducted temperature checks on students on Wednesday, in a bid to test their readiness in dealing with a possible swine flu outbreak that has spread to many countries.

At South View Primary School in Choa Chu Kang, a full exercise was carried out, with screening stations set up near the school entrance.

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Mr Arthur Sow, vice-principal of administration at the school, said: 'The first line of screening is done at the entrances to the school. Teachers look out for any incoming students who look unwell.'

Students who 'fail' the first screening test are then isolated and sent to the temperature-taking stations nearby to ascertain if they are really unwell, added Mr Sow.

During the temperature-taking exercise, teachers also checked if all students have working thermometers in hand.

Prior to the exercise, teachers explained to the students the importance of practising good standards of hygiene. The students also have to wash their oral thermometer tips before and after use.

For 12-year-old Stephanie Hong, the tips have not gone unheeded.

Said the primary six student, 'I know that I should stay home and see the doctor if I'm unwell. My parents have also told me to wash my hands before and after eating.'

Principal Mrs Jenny Yeo said: 'These measures were already in place during the SARS period and were fine-tuned.'

She added that such exercises were routinely carried out at least once a semester to ensure that the school is always ready to deal with any resurgence of the flu threat.

'We will be monitoring the situation closely but for now, I don't want to alarm the students. This exercise is just like any other we have carried out before,' said Mrs Yeo.

Temperature checks were also carried out at Yishun Junior College as students were informed to bring their thermometers to school.

Madam Koh Teck Siew, principal of the college said, 'It's definitely necessary as it will heighten the students' awareness of the situation.'

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