Mask up, maintain social distance: Schools in NCR on alert as Covid cases rise

In Ghaziabad, teachers and students have been asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing. As per instructions issued by the District Basic Education Officer, Ghaziabad, school administrations have been asked to make students sit at a distance from each other.

“Schools will have to install thermal scanners at the entrances, arrangements for washing hands with soap and sanitisers have to be made,” said the order. It further instructed the administration to ensure classrooms, railings and play areas are sanitised.

The Gautam Buddha Nagar health department also issued recommendations that social distancing and use of face masks at offices, schools, colleges, shopping malls, hospitals, among other public places be followed. Noida reported 114 Covid cases Thursday, the highest this year so far. “People in general are suggested to use face masks, practice social distancing and follow Covid protocol at public places, in markets, or other crowded areas. The elderly and children should avoid visiting crowded places,” the district guidelines said.

Meanwhile, Delhi education minister Atishi said, “Our government is reviewing the Covid situation and guidelines will be issued to all schools in this regard very soon.”

According to Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, the number of cases in children are low. “There is no need to worry, experts have not issued any advisories on the severity in children in specific,” he said.

According to doctors, the new strain is responsible for the fast spread but the severity is low. At present, only about 3% of hospital beds set aside for Covid patients are occupied. Health department officials said it is those with serious comorbid conditions that are at risk of severe disease.

Schools in Delhi, however, are telling students to mask up and practice social distancing.

“We have advised a minimum protocol since the session started. We have no cases in school so far. Students have been wearing masks since April 1, but this is not during any activities. We are maintaining two students per desk and have touch-free hand sanitisers in all corridors. In NPSC schools, attendance has not been affected, but we are maintaining safety,” said Sudha Acharya, principal, ITL Public School, and the Chairperson of the National Progressive Schools Conference.