Telangana teachers’ body demands closing of Covid-hit schools: Report

HYDERABAD: The district officials had disregarded the practice of closing down schools in Telangana temporarily if over five cases of Covid-19 are reported, claims many teachers in Telangana. The teachers’ federation accused authorities of forcing teachers and students to attend physical classes amid the multiple positive cases, the Times of India reported.

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“Officials must not ignore guidelines issued by the state and ICMR. They should not force the continuation of physical classes during an outbreak,” Chava Ravi, general secretary of Telangana State United Teachers Federation, as per the TOI report.

Doctors are of the opinion that during an outbreak, the schools should be shut for at least two weeks. This is the prescribed quarantine period.

The report further said that the students are taking leave in schools where Covid-19 cases are reported as parents are worried, and as a result, attendance in schools is declining at an increased rate.

It was reported that only 15 students attended the Zilla Parishad High School, Mamidipally, on Wednesday, while 120 students attended physical classes on Monday. The number dropped due to Covid-19 fears.

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“Being cautious and taking precautions is better than thinking that nothing would happen,” TOI quoted Sanjeev Singh Yadav, National Secretary for the Indian Medical Association’s Academy of Medical Specialities (AMS) as saying. He suggested a 2 weeks quarantine for students, teachers, and other staff in case of an outbreak. He also stressed the closure of school premises and disinfection during the reopening of schools.

Recently, a report by PTI mentioned that 43 medical students in Telangana were tested positive for COVID-19 after they participated in the annual day celebration events. The college and the hostels were closed thereafter. There are 3810 active covid cases in Telangana as of December 6, 2021.