Special Olympics Jharkhand (SOJ) has asked special schools in the state to take precautionary measures in view of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter sent to over 50 schools across the state, the SOJ has asked the managements to not allow the intellectually impaired students to mingle with the crowd, shake hands or hug each other.

The state Olympics outfit has also suspended all its activities till April, said SOJ assistant area director Satbir Singh Sahota.

The specials undertake fitness drills at JRD Tata Sports Complex on Tuesdays and Fridays.

“We have requested schools to adopt precautionary measures. Prevention is the best cure in these circumstances. We are very concerned about the health of special students and it is the duty of school managements to keep them healthy,” Sahota said.

The schools have also been asked to distance themselves from any social activities for the time being. The SOJ has asked the institutions to keep it updated if they were organising any programmes.

According to Sahota, the outfit has also asked parents to adopt the dos and don’ts related to coronavirus.

“We, during a meeting with the parents on Friday evening, specifically explained to them the importance of frequently washing hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or soap, covering the face while sneezing or coughing and seeking medical advice when not feeling well. These precautions are good for both the kids and their parents,” said the SOJ assistant area director.

He said the coaches and the volunteers had been asked to take precautionary measures as well. “After all, they also come under the Special Olympics umbrella,” Sahota said.

Special Olympics Bharat, a national organisation working for the promotion of the intellectually impaired, has suspended all activities till April. The SOJ is an affiliated unit of the parent body.