Schools, colleges implement Covid norms; students, staff told to mask up

BENGALURU: With the state gearing up to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Associated Managements of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has decided to strictly implement Covid Standard Operating Procedures in its member institutions.

Association secretary D Shashi Kumar said the schools will implement protocols like compulsory masking, maintainint social distance, and use of sanitisers/hand wash. In case where students have gone to other places for the Christmas holidays, they will have to isolate themselves if they show any symptoms.

“We have informed our member institutions to ensure safety of children and to follow all SOPs as enforced earlier including compulsory testing for those with symptoms and isolation. Since it is holiday season, many children and their parents will be travelling to other states and even countries. Schools should keep track of them and create awareness among parents about testing and isolation in case of symptoms”, said Shashi Kumar.

The Recognised Unaided Private Schools Association (RUPSA) which has 12,000 member schools, also met on Friday and decided to make masks compulsory for students, teachers and staff and ensure social distancing with immediate effect. The meeting, chaired by Association president Lokesh Talikatte, also decided that those with symptoms like cold, cough or fever should get themselves immediately tested. If necessary, classes will be conducted online. The meeting also discussed the conduct of examinations, barring public exams.

“Over the last two days, there has been increased anxiety and parents have been calling schools to inquire about the measures being taken. We don’t want to relive the bad experiences and we will act more responsibly and implement the mask rule, social distancing and Covid-appropriate behaviour. We have to consider the sentiments of parents and children. Instead of waiting for instruction from the government, we are taking precautionary measures”, he noted.

From left: KAMS secretary D Shashi Kumar, RUPSA president Lokesh Talikatte and Asha, a parent.

Asha, a parent, said, “Covid protocols should be implement as done earlier. Schools should be sanitised and masks should be made compulsory while ensuring social distance. We should not wait for the government to issue directive and we should follow these protocols voluntarily so that the spread can be curbed”. She also appealed to the government to implement Covid protocols immediately.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Department has directed all degree and post-graduate institutions to strictly follow Covid protocols. As per the guidelines, all students, teaching and non-teaching staff should get their precautionary dose of vaccine, masks should be worn compulsorily on the campus, use sanitiser and maintain social distancing. Those with any symptoms should not be allowed to attend classes and they should get a certificate after getting a Covid test done. In case of infection, the entire class should be tested for Covid-19. Universities and colleges should also take steps to raise awareness among the students and staff, the directives said.

Following this, the Bangalore University has directed students, teaching and non-teaching staff to get their precautionary dose of vaccination and to compulsorily wear masks. Several colleges have already made masks mandatory. On Friday, students of the Maharani College near Freedom Park were seen entering the campus wearing masks. The security staff were seen instructing the students and staff to wear masks and only those wearing them were being allowed inside.