Pregnant teachers to get quarantine leave

Pregnant teachers are being given permission to take quarantine leave to protect them against the slapped cheek syndrome. The main symptom of the slapped cheek syndrome, caused by parvovirus B19, is a blotchy red rash on the face – resembling slapped cheeks. Writing on Facebook, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo expressed concern about the syndrome in schools. He said he took the advice of a medical expert in gynaecology who said it was better not to expose pregnant teachers to risks because one of a number of consequences could be that they lose the baby. Even if this rarely happened, such a risk should not be taken, the minister said. Last month, Times of Malta reported that pregnant teachers who worked in schools where there have been cases of slapped cheek virus were being advised by their doctors to remain at home to avoid complications Depending on the stage of pregnancy, there is “a small risk” of miscarriage or complications for the baby including heart failure and anaemia, according to the UK’s National Health Service. The Malta Union of Teachers had written to the minister requesting that absences by pregnant teachers on the advice of their doctor to be considered as...