Ministry of Health, Government of India has issued a Health Advisory for Schools across the country, looking at the increasing Coronavirus hazard.  With nearly 25 cases reported in India in just 5 days, and one death, the Ministry, which is already on their feet and working overtime to manage the situation, has shifted focus to schools as well.

Accordingly, the Ministry has issued an advisory for schools.  Ministry of Health officials have confirmed to UdaipurTimes that the advisory has been sent out to the respective state governments and they will be responsible to circulate the same to schools.  The following are the salient points in the advisory:

1. Schools are advised to avoid any large gatherings of students during the course of day in school
2. Any student/staff with Travel History to any COVID-9 affected country or in contact with such persons in the last 28 days, should be monitored and home quarantined for 14 days.
3. Ask parents not to send child back to school till advised to do so by the treating doctor
4. Class Teachers should be alert to any child with signs and symptoms i.e. fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and should immediately inform the parents to have the child tested.
5. Teachers, school staff and students should also be advised about simple public health measures of hand and respiratory hygiene
   1. Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer, even when hands are visibly clean.
   2. Respiratory Hygiene:
      1. Everyone should cover their mouth with a tissue / handkerchief (or their sleeve if there are no tissues available) when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands afterwards.
      2. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth
      3. Everyone should throw away their used tissues in a bin and wash their hands after contact with coughing / sneezing
6. Frequently touched surfaces – door knobs, switches, desk tops, hand railing, etc. should be disinfected.
7. Provide alcohol based hand cleaners/sanitizers in frequented spots of the school.
8. Ensure availability of soap and water in rest rooms at all times.
9. In hostels, health status of students as well as the other ancilliary staff, should be monitored on regular basis. In case there are suspected cases, the authorized local medical authority should be called for examination.
10. Foot operated pedal bins lined with plastic bag should be provided in each classroom and rest room
11. Anybody with signs and symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing) should call State/UT helpline number or Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s 24x7 helpline at 011-23978046 or visit public health facility with a mask or mouth covered.