The Karnataka government has denied commencing classes for school students soon. However, it is considering opening physical classes in engineering, medical and degree colleges in a phased manner, chief minister BS Yediyurappa said on Tuesday.

This came after the chief minister held a meeting with the committee formed by the government on Covid-19 chaired by Dr. Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiologist. The committee submitted its interim report on Tuesday on how to unlock during the second wave of the pandemic and how the anticipated third wave is to be dealt with.

In one such suggestion, the committee suggested that in-person classes could be commenced only for senior students (those above 18) and that prior to this, it must be ensured that students, parents, and faculty are vaccinated.

Although the committee has recommended that the National guidelines be followed while re-opening schools for in-person classes, no timeframe has been suggested for the same.

However, the committee has also suggested when the government deems it fit to begin offline classes, health aspects and Covid-19 protocols are to be followed. The committee has suggested that the nutritional aspects of children be considered as a priority as well.

Addressing the media after a meeting with Dr. Devi Shetty, Yediyurappa said, “The committee has discussed the Covid-19 third wave. It has been said that children will be the worst affected during the third wave. Some recommendations have been put forth in this regard. Hospitals working under the Medical colleges should prepare to brace for the third wave and all medical colleges must have pediatric ICU units prepared. The committee has recommended that the government tie-up with the corporate sector brace for the third wave. All hospitals must have psychologists to help children in case of admissions and offer them counseling services.”

The committee has also recommended vaccinating teachers and students on priority and open schools and colleges in a phased manner. “Those children above 18 must be vaccinated and colleges must be reopened, the committee has suggested. No decision has been taken regarding the reopening of in-person classes in schools” said Yediyurappa.  

He said that clinical trials are underway to test the vaccination on children and post this, a decision would be taken on opening physical classes in schools and colleges in a phased manner.

Meanwhile, D Shashikumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of Schools in Karnataka said that the government must act in a decisive manner regarding reopening of schools. “Students and teachers must be vaccinated on priority. The government must fix a certain date and commence in-person classes in schools. We are already seeing children being disinterested and they are facing learning loss. Dr Devi Shetty’s opinion to open schools must be considered and a separate meeting must be held to discuss this. Teachers must be declared Covid warriors with immediate effect, and be vaccinated on priority” he sought.

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