Karnataka private schools make masks must for students; state govt may issue COVID guidelines

NEW DELHI: The Karnataka private schools have reportedly made masks compulsory for students. The state government has also asked people to be cautious and take precautionary measures like wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases have once again started increasing.

On Thursday, 24 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state taking the total figure since the outbreak of the virus to 40,89,174, the health department said. The government conducted 2,263 tests and the 3 people were reported dead.

On private schools reportedly making masks compulsory for students, the CM Siddaramaiah said: "It's good. The government -- the cabinet sub-committee too will decide in this regard in the days to come after consulting the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)," the PTI reported. Karnataka school may expect an COVID-19 advisory from the state government soon.

The meeting was attended by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, home minister G Parameshwara, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, medical education minister Sharan Prakash Patil, and TAC members. Suggesting people to wear masks at crowded places, he said those above 60-years should compulsorily wear masks.

The chief minister has suggested that a vaccination drive will be started for those unvaccinated as a preventive measure. He noted that the new 'JN.1' sub variant, is a sub variant of the Omicron variant.

On whether there are any guidelines for New Year celebrations, the minister said: “There is no advisory; only that people need to wear masks as a large number of people gather for celebrations.”