Karnataka Schools: As covid cases rise across schools, Education Minister hints at closing schools again

KEY STORY

• Karnatak Schools might be closed due to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state. With the threat of the new Omicron variant and the increases in the number of COVID-19 cases in educational institutions, Karnataka Education Minister B.C Nagesh had hinted that closure of schools. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation about the same.

• Karnataka reported the first case of the Omicron variant in India. As per the latest statistics that have been released by the office of the Commissioner of Public Instruction, as many as 130 children from classes 1 to 10 have tested COVID-19 positive. In a residential school in Karnataka’s Chikkamagalur, 92 COVID-19 cases were reported.  To battle the spread of the rising COVID-19 cluster, more swabs have been collected from the staff as well as students of the educational institutions. Further, the government also decided to take several measures such as postponement of events in educational institutions and others.

• Seven students also tested COVID-19 positive in Chamarajanagar district and 11 students tested COVID-19 positive in Kodagu district. As of now, only two students have been tested COVID-19 positive in Bengaluru. Further, 9 students in a private nursing college in Mangalore, tested COVID-19 positive. Following this, the colleges have been sealed. The total number of active COVID-19 cases in Karnataka is 7096 cases. The death ratio due to COVID-19 in the state is 1.28% and the active ratio due to COVID-19 is 0.24%.

• Recently, several cases of COVID-19 were reported at Dharwad Medical College, Karnataka. Following the alarming situation, Karnataka Education Minister B.C. Nagesh said to reporters that the Education Department has been observing the situation on an hourly basis. According to PTI, he said, “If needed appropriate decisions would be taken on conducting examinations also. In exam halls social distancing is ensured. We are keeping the option of closure of schools open and cancelling examinations in case of severe spike of Covid cases.”

• Further, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also commented on the alarming situation. He said, “All the guidelines given by the Covid experts would be implemented in the state. Cluster cases are being reported among the school children. In Chikkamagaluru district spate of cases are being reported. All students’ contacts have been traced, tested and schools are sealed down.” Further, he mentioned that the government would be acting on the basis of the recommendation and guidelines given by experts.