Representational Image: Education Minister S Suresh Kumar interacting with students.
Experts fear winter months could lead to a spike in infections
BENGALURU:
The Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee under the Department of Health and Family Welfare has advised the state government that it is not ‘appropriate’ to reopen schools in December, amid continuing fears of a spike in infections.
The recommendation follows a panel meeting chaired by Dr MK Sudarshan on Sunday.
ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಶಾಲೆ ತೆರೆಯುವುದು ಸೂಕ್ತವಲ್ಲ: ಕೋವಿಡ್ 19 ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ಸಲಹಾ ಸಮಿತಿ ಶಿಫಾರಸು
— Thebengalurulive/ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಲೈವ್ (@bengalurulive_) November 23, 2020
ಕೋವಿಡ್ ಹರಡುವಿಕೆ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶಾಲೆ ಪುನರಾರಂಭ ಸೂಕ್ತವಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬುದು ತಜ್ಞರ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯhttps://t.co/xaXsS3lJlm#ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು #Bangalore #Bengaluru #Schools #reopening #Covid19updates @nimmasuresh @CMofKarnataka
‘Resurgence in other states’
The committee noted that more Covid tests are being conducted, hospitals have been upgraded, and the average daily infections of 1,700 statewide shows a decline as a result of various measures taken in the last eight months. However, it also pointed out that the spread of the virus has accelerated in states like Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat.
Dr M K Sudarshan noted that the advisory panel had earlier discussed the reopening of schools during its 40th (October 8) and 49th (November 9) meetings, and had then decided to postpone the reopening after reviewing the Covid scenario in the state.
In the meanwhile, colleges have reopened from November 17 and medical and paramedical colleges are scheduled to reopen from December 1. The panel felt the impact of this reopening will be known in the coming days.
‘Consolidate falling stats’
The panel noted that it was important to consolidate the declining Covid trend in Karnataka, while keeping in mind the fact that the winter months of December and January would be conducive to the occurrence and spread of respiratory infections, including Covid-19.
From an epidemiological perspective, based on a statewide survey done in September, there may be a spike in Covid-19 cases in districts with low prevalence. In this context, after extensive deliberations, the advisory panel meeting unanimously resolved not to reopen schools in December.
‘Review in Dec-end’
However, the panel will review the situation in the last week of December with respect to the reopening of schools.
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