Like the rest of the country, schools are closed in south Assam’s Hailakandi. And teachers are playing a different role altogether outside the classrooms, creating awareness on coronavirus.

Hailakandi block elementary education officer Rajesh Chakraborty said teachers of 521 schools here are engaged in spreading awareness on the virus.

The teachers of 99 No. Narayanpur Lower Primary School demonstrated handwash method with sanitizer and soap in Narayanpur. Cluster resource centre coordinator (CRCC) of the area Barid Kanti Paul said the teachers printed leaflets to be distributed among villagers.

Block accountant of the Asom Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Shankar Choudhury said the teachers are playing a crucial role to impart knowledge to the villagers who are unaware of the pandemic.

The school’s headmaster Tapash Kumar Das and another teacher Pranay Kumar Deb said it is a noble gesture by the teachers.

Two teachers — Sampa Dey and Sanghamitra Dey — who demonstrated handwashing method in a local language, were of opinion that they will conduct door-to-door dissemination of information.

A Narayanpur resident, Amir Hussain, said they feel scared about the virus’s sp-read. He added that he will inform five of his family members who work in Bangalore to be more careful about their daily hygiene. Another villager, Abul Latif, said he was not aware of the importance of handwashing being a daily wage earner until the teachers told him.

Silchar Medical College and Hospital has been tasked with testing the samples of suspected cases.

College principal Babul Bezbaruah said the testing kit is costly and the government supply is limited. “Only people with symptoms and travel history should should go for tests,” he added.