With rising cases of Covid JN.1 sub-variant, Karnataka schools advised to mask up and screen temperatures

However, the state Health Department is yet to issue any advisory to schools in the state, amid the rising infections.

The Association has also directed schools to not create panic and to be alert against fake messages concerning JN.1. Schools have also been advised to start regular temperature checking and sanitising their premises regularly.

Students who are ‘low on immunity’ have been advised to wear masks and the Association has directed principals and teachers to provide extra care for hygiene measures in and out of school and home environments.

The Association said, “Isolate children who after coming to school are found suddenly sick and administer first aid and advise parents for immediate medical attention. Don’t entertain parents who administer medicine during any illness and send their wards to school in the name of test/exam or loss of class”.

Ahead of the holiday season with Christmas and New Year around the corner, students have been advised to avoid crowded tourist places and pilgrimages.

Authorities at some private schools said they are awaiting the government guidelines, and they will take suitable measures once classes start in January. Most of the private schools will have their last working days on Friday, with the Christmas break starting from December 25.

Jyotsna Nair, Principal, National Public School, Koramangala said, “Once schools reopen after Christmas break, we will begin with temperature screening and masking up. We will also step up efforts for sanitation and hygiene back to the levels during the earlier Covid waves.”

B B Cauvery, Commissioner, Department of Public Education, Karnataka said they have not issued any advisories to government schools so far. “We are, however, monitoring the situation closely. Once advisories from the health department are issued, we will implement them in government schools,” added Cauvery.

With increased testing in the light of a spurt in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the state has seen a doubling of the number of infections reported over the last 48 hours – from 28 on Monday to 79 on Wednesday morning. In the last 24 hours, two deaths were also reported in the state.

Later on Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will chair a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee to discuss the precautionary measures against the new Covid variant.