COVID-safety measures are making a comeback as schools in Kolkata reopened on April 24 after a week’s heat break.
The recent surge in COVID cases across the state have prompted many schools to issue notifications for following COVID-safety protocol.
The number of COVID-positive cases in West Bengal crossed 1,379 on April 24, up from just 110 on April 1.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus among children this time are conjunctivitis, accompanied by high fever, cold, sore throat, weakness and body ache.
Priority to safety measures
South City International School has sent out an advisory to parents and students, asking them to adopt necessary precautions. “We have recently sent a WhatsApp message to teachers to maintain safety and hygiene protocol. We have encouraged use of masks and frequent washing of hands,” said John Bagul, founder-principal, South City International School.
Bratati Bhattacharyya, secretary general of Shri Shikshayatan School, said the school has always given priority to safety measures. “The principal and headmistress have made it a point to announce the same during the assembly. We are still sanitising the premises and checking the temperature of students,” she said.
EuroKids and Kangaroo Kids (Pre-K Division of Lighthouse Learning) has issued an advisory to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and issued an advisory for parental awareness to protect their children from the virus.
The most common symptom of coronavirus among children this time is conjunctivitis, accompanied by high fever, cold, sore throat, weakness and body ache Amit Datta
“To ensure the safety of children in pre-schools, we have issued an advisory for the parents advising them to watch out for the following symptoms among children: cold, cough, sore throat and itchy conjunctivitis – commonly seen among those affected by the new XBB.1.16 variant of the virus. We have also advised parents to take medical advice if they spot any of these symptoms,” said Major Girish Kumar, chief safety and security officer, EuroKids and Kangaroo Kids.
‘Closely monitoring the situation’
EuroKids and Kangaroo Kids have been practising regular temperature checks, mandatory wearing of masks for all staff and students, frequent hand-washing and disinfection of all surfaces, along with social distancing protocol.
“In addition, we are closely monitoring the situation and looking for any recommendations from the public health authorities so that we can quickly adapt and adjust our approach as required,” said Kumar.
Many schools in Kolkata had relaxed COVID protocol after a drop in the number of cases.
The Heritage School, however, had continued to be cautious. Seema Sapru, the principal of the school said, “We haven’t relaxed COVID protocol. Children still wear masks to school. We had recently issued guidelines for safety from adenovirus and protection from heatwave. We will follow all safety measures.”