Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 31 (HBTV): In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the scheduled reopening of schools in June, the Karnataka Health Department has issued a circular urging both government and private schools to implement precautionary measures to safeguard students’ health.

The advisory follows a COVID-19 review meeting held by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 26.

As per the circular, children showing symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold should not be sent to school. Parents are advised to ensure that symptomatic children receive appropriate medical care and return to school only after full recovery.

In cases where children arrive at school with visible symptoms, teachers are instructed to inform the parents and send the children home immediately.

The circular also calls on teachers and non-teaching staff to exercise caution and refrain from attending school if they experience similar symptoms. All school personnel are advised to follow COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB), including maintaining hand hygiene and observing cough etiquette.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has reported that India currently has 2,710 active COVID-19 cases, with 1,170 patients discharged. The country recorded seven COVID-related deaths across several states, most involving individuals with significant comorbidities.

In Delhi, one death was reported — a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction post-laparotomy, where COVID-19 was an incidental finding. Gujarat recorded one fatality, with details pending.

Karnataka reported one death involving a 70-year-old man who died due to acute cardiorespiratory arrest, acute encephalopathy with late-onset focal seizure, severe anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. His COVID-19 status is pending RT-PCR confirmation.

Maharashtra reported two deaths. One involved a 67-year-old man with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), left lung pneumonia, and confirmed COVID-19, alongside comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular accident. The other involved a 21-year-old man with diabetic ketoacidosis and lower respiratory tract infection.

Punjab recorded the death of a 39-year-old man with Hepatitis B and acute respiratory syndrome. Tamil Nadu reported the death of a 60-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.

Kerala continues to lead with 1,147 active cases, and reconciliation of its mortality data is in progress. Bihar is awaiting its daily COVID-19 update.

Health authorities have reiterated the importance of vigilance as schools prepare to reopen.

(ANI)