Karnataka Schools Urged to Reinstate COVID-19 Measures Amid JN.1 Sub-Variant Surge

Amid a rise in cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Karnataka, private schools in the state have been instructed to implement health guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the infection.

On December 19, the Associated Managements of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) issued an advisory instructing private schools to counsel students exhibiting symptoms of viral fever, cold, or cough to seek medical attention.

However, the state Health Department has not yet provided any guidance to schools in the midst of the increasing infections.

The Association has also urged schools not to create panic and to remain vigilant against misinformation regarding JN.1. Additionally, schools have been advised to conduct regular temperature checks and sanitize their premises consistently.

Students with weakened immune systems have been recommended to wear masks, and the Association has instructed principals and teachers to prioritize extra care for hygiene measures both inside and outside school and home environments.

The Association said that, “Isolate those children who become suddenly ill after arriving at school, administer first aid, and also advise parents to seek immediate medical attention. Do not permit parents to administer medicine to their children during illnesses and send them to school under the pretext of tests/exams or class attendance.”

As the holiday season approaches with Christmas and New Year, students have been cautioned to avoid crowded tourist destinations and pilgrimages.

Authorities at some private schools mentioned that they are awaiting government guidelines and will implement suitable measures once classes resume in January. Most private schools will conclude their last working days on Friday, with the Christmas break starting on December 25.

Jyotsna Nair, Principal of National Public School in Koramangala, stated, “After schools reopen following the Christmas break, we will initiate temperature screening and mask-wearing. We will also intensify efforts to maintain sanitation and hygiene levels similar to those during the earlier waves of Covid.”

B B Cauvery, Commissioner of the Department of Public Education in Karnataka, mentioned that they have not issued any advisories to government schools yet. “However, we are closely monitoring the situation. Once advisories from the health department are issued, we will implement them in government schools,” added Cauvery.

With increased testing due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the state has witnessed a doubling of reported infections over the last 48 hours—from 28 on Monday to 79 on Wednesday morning. In the last 24 hours, two deaths were reported in the state.

On Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will chair a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee to discuss precautionary measures against the new Covid variant.