Temporary Closure Mandate for Schools After Student COVID-19 Cases
As COVID-19 cases witness a slight uptick, the Delhi government has issued a new advisory for schools in the region. The directive requires schools to temporarily close either specific sections or the entire premises in the event of a positive COVID-19 case among students or staff members.
Safety Measures Emphasized: Masks, Distancing, and Hygiene
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures. This includes the mandatory wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing as much as possible. It’s worth noting that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) recently eliminated fines for not wearing masks.
Response to Recent Cases: Advisory Released Amidst Student Infections
Amid reports of students testing positive for COVID-19 in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the advisory, dated April 13, aims to address the rising concern. The directive necessitates immediate communication with the Directorate of Education upon detecting a COVID-19 case. Accordingly, the affected section or the entire school should be temporarily shut down.
Comprehensive Guidelines for Preventive Measures
The advisory outlines several measures, including consistent mask-wearing by students, teachers, and staff. Additionally, schools are instructed to uphold social distancing norms. Regular hand washing, sanitizer use, and awareness campaigns about COVID-19 prevention are also highlighted. The collaboration of students, teachers, support staff, and visiting parents is vital in this effort.
Government’s Vigilant Approach and Future Steps
With Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia observing a slight rise in cases, he directed the education department to issue guidelines to schools. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia reassured the public that the situation is closely monitored, and while cases have increased slightly, hospitalizations remain stable.
