Schools change dress code to combat dengue

Circulars have been issued across the city’s educational institutions,requiring students to wear full-sleeved shirts and pants that cover their arms and legs. Akanksha Malik,a teacher from Shriram School,said,“We have asked students to come wearing full-sleeved shirts. During this season,we have to be safe. Among other things,we are spraying mosquito repellents every other day.”

Parents are also chipping in to prevent the spread of dengue. “Whenever I go out,my mother makes sure that I apply mosquito-repellent ointment,” said Aneesha Suri,a Class XI student from Apeejay School,Pitampura. Apeejay School has also altered its uniform regulations to suit the situation.

“Girls from senior school have been asked to either wear grey trousers or slacks or stockings with their skirts. Junior girls have been asked to wear trousers. At times,junior girls also turn up in jeans,we don’t mind,” said Apeejay School principal D K Bedi.

At Laxman Public School in Hauz Khas,fumigation is undertaken at night. School principal Usha Ram said,“We also have our doctors going from class to class,speaking on do’s and don’ts for this rainy season.” Boys have been asked to wear pants instead of shorts.

Springdales School on Pusa Road is yet another institution that has taken up fumigation activities on its campus.

Many students have also begun wearing articles such as full sleeves,trousers and slacks,which are usually opted for during the winter. “Instead of buying a new one,I am using my old uniform,” said Aneesha. Delhi Public School on Mathura Road has asked students to wear “full-sleeved white school shirts and white pants or green track pants”.

When asked to comment on the steps taken in view of the dengue issue,Education department officials said that an advisory was issued last year to government schools in the city. “These are standing orders. We can’t issue advisories regarding the same issue every year.”