Some schools bring back masks, some issue stay-at-home advice for unwell students
Times of India | 8 January 2025
12 Kolkata: Masks have made a comeback in some schools in the city after Covid. Concerned about reports of HMPV, some schools have asked their students to come masked, while some others urged the guardians not to send their wards to school if unwell.
South City International School and Rishi Aurobindo Memorial Academy were among those which instructed students to wear masks in class to prevent the spread of virus. The BSS School, during its morning assembly, permitted students to wear masks if they wanted to. In their advisory, South City International School also urged students to avoid touching their eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands. For pre-primary children, the school will conduct hand-washing sessions every 30 minutes. Principal Satabdi Bhattacharjee said, "We issued the advisory to spread awareness among parents so that they can sensitise their wards. For kids, we will conduct hand-washing sessions. We always tell parents not to send their wards to school if they have cough, cold or fever. In such cases, unwell students are exempted from exams."
Rishi Aurobindo Memorial Academy School principal Bobby Baxter said, "We urge parents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions. To minimise the risk of transmission, we urge everyone to wash their hands frequently, avoid close contact, cover mouth and nose and take rest if sick."
TOI visited some schools and interacted with students and parents, some of whom expressed their concern about HMPV spread. Some students at Jadavpur Vidyapith were found attending classes wearing masks. Jadavpur Vidyapith headmaster Partha Pratim Baidya said, "Some wore masks at school though we did not issue advisory yet. We advise them not to panic."
Sushila Birla Girls' School principal Koeli Dey said, "Selection tests for boards and unit tests for middle schoolers are on. But we told parents if their children have fever or cough, it is better to keep them at home. Their well-being is more important than tests."