‘Children Can Handle…’: ICMR DG On Possibility Of Reopening Schools

New Delhi:  Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Balram Bhargava on Tuesday said the children can handle viral infections better than adults, adding the antibody exposure in children is the same as in adults.

“Some Scandinavian countries didn’t shut their primary schools during COVID-19,” he said.

Dr Bhargava said if India considers this then it would be wise to open the primary schools before opening the secondary schools.

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 “All the support staff, including school bus drivers, teachers and other school staff, needs to be vaccinated,” he added.

Schools to reopen in Punjab from July 26:

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has decided to reopen the schools for students of Classes 10, 11 and 12 in the state from July 26. The government has, however, set some conditions for this in view of the coronavirus pandemic. 

According to the decision taken by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh-led government, the children will have to seek parental approval prior to coming to school. Besides, the school staff and teachers should be fully vaccinated (both doses of the vaccine), as per the orders. 

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The Chief Minister had during the Covid-19 review meeting said that schools would be allowed to open for Classes X to XII, but only those teachers and staff who are fully vaccinated would be allowed.

According to the government, the children will come to schools only with their parents’ consent and the option of digital classes will remain open to them.