HMPV infection: Bengaluru schools come up with advisory

BengaluruL Bengaluru schools have issued an advisory to parents following detection of two HMPV virus cases in the city.

The schools have advised parents not to send children to schools if they have even a mild cough, cold or fever. Parents have been asked not to panic about the virus and also not to worry if their children miss ongoing assessment or tests.

Mansoor Ali Khan, board member, Delhi Public Schools advised heads of all schools under his group to provide the children with an option to attend the test later for those who are ill. “If there are any assessments or tests, students need not be worried and they will be given the option to attend them later if they fall ill,” Mansoor said.

Meanwhile schools have asked the teachers to monitor children closely and if any student is found to be ill, the parents should be asked to take them home.

The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka has issued advisory for all its member schools regarding HMP virus.

D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the Association said, “There is no need for panic. We  have clearly instructed parents not to send children if they have a cold, cough or fever. We have even asked children to wear masks, if they are scared or worried and wearing masks is not mandatory.”

The School Education and Literacy department said that it will also issue a separate SOP for schools across the state.

Dr K V Trilok Chandra, Commissioner for School Education said, “We have discussed with the Health department and as per their information it is basic respiratory etiquette and nothing to worry. We will be issuing the SOP accordingly.”