BENGALURU: The state government has asked the Education Department to implement the guidelines issued by the Health Department and to be alert about children. Following this, the Education Department has made masks mandatory in schools.
Experts have suggested Covid-19 vaccination drives in schools. In the last two Covid waves, many students have received vaccinations through schools and colleges. The experts have advised conducting vaccination drive for students in schools for the age groups prescribed as per the central government guidelines. The Health Department has decided to do vaccination drives upon experts’ advice.
Private school organisations such as Karnataka’s Recognized Unaided Private Schools Association (RUPSA) and Karnataka’s Associated Management in Schools (KAMS) have also welcomed the decision to make masks and vaccination drives mandatory in schools.
“We welcome the government’s decision to implement Covid regulations in schools. All private schools, especially those schools under RUPSA, will follow all the guidelines issued by the Health Department to protect children. We have to understand parents’ anxiety and also have to protect children. All the school management will take the necessary precautions”, said Lokesh Talikote of RUPSA.
“The government has made wearing masks compulsory in all the schools. Now, due to the Christmas break, many schools have closed. Some of the schools are open and they are following the guidelines. After the vacation, all the SOPs will be followed in all the schools”, said Shashikumar of KAMS.