Covid-19: If children have symptoms don't send them to school, says Karnataka govt

Bengaluru: The state health department has issued a circular asking schools and parents to take Covid precautions in light of the situation in the state. These include not sending children to school if they show symptoms of fever, cold, cough, etc.

The circular, which was issued by Sivakumar K B, Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare, on Friday, comes ahead of government and private schools reopening for the new academic year, in light of the recent Covid situation in Karnataka.

In a Covid review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, May 26, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that a circular would be issued shortly, detailing the steps to be taken by schools keeping the rising number of Covid cases in mind.

The circular instructs parents to send their children to school only after they are completely cured. It also directed schools to send students back home if they present with Covid symptoms of fever, cold and cough, keeping their parents informed.

Schools have also been instructed to inform teachers, non-teaching staff about Covid symptoms and direct them to take necessary precautions. They must ensure that hand hygiene, cough etiquette and other Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviours (CAB) are followed.

Public advisory

The department, while maintaining that the public must not panic, has requested them to stay vigilant and follow responsible, Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.

They must avoid unverified information, inform authorities about travellers from abroad, wear masks in crowded places, maintain hygiene and physical distance, seek medical advice if symptoms are noticed, keep sick children away from public places, and dispose of waste properly.

They must also cooperate with random testing and allow sample collection for surveillance. People can contact the toll-free helpline 1800-425-8330 for health advice and 108 to transport any emergency patients.