H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, DoE issues advisory to schools
text_fields
New Delhi: The Directorate of Education (DoE) on Tuesday issued an advisory to all government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools in Delhi, urging them to strengthen health awareness and respiratory hygiene practices among students and staff amid a spike in swine flu cases in the national Capital.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, meanwhile, urged people not to panic, saying there was no emergency situation in Delhi or the country.
The DoE advisory said there was no need for undue alarm but stressed that “timely awareness and responsible preventive practices are essential, particularly in the school environment”.
It directed schools to adopt a “Healthy School - Healthy Community” approach by promoting respiratory and hand hygiene. This includes covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues properly and washing hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
Schools were also instructed to help prevent transmission by maintaining appropriate distance from people showing respiratory symptoms. “Masks may be used where considered necessary,” the advisory said.
The DoE asked schools to strengthen overall hygiene by ensuring regular cleaning of classrooms, common areas and frequently touched surfaces, while maintaining adequate ventilation wherever feasible. It also directed schools to create awareness about avoiding spitting on school premises and in public places.
Schools have been instructed to encourage students and staff to stay adequately hydrated, eat nutritious food, get sufficient rest and maintain personal hygiene. They were also advised to avoid frequently touching their eyes, nose and mouth to reduce the risk of infection.
“Antibiotics and other medicines should not be taken without medical advice,” the DoE said.
The advisory has been directed to be disseminated through morning assemblies, classroom interactions, notice boards, parent communication channels and schools’ digital platforms.
All District and Zonal Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) have been directed to monitor compliance with the advisory and submit a compiled report to the DoE by August 31 at healthschoolbranch@gmail.com.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Ashish Sood said there was “no need to panic” and that there was no emergency situation in Delhi or the country.
“However, precaution is always better than cure,” he said, adding that the advisory called for special attention to young children and school students, particularly regarding social distancing, handwashing, school hygiene, classroom hygiene and personal hygiene.
Sood said seasonal illnesses occur around this time of the year and stressed the need to remain aware and vigilant. He added that the relevant instructions had been shared in the advisory.
With IANS inputs