HMPV: Private schools in Bengaluru ask parents to not send send children to schools if they have cold, fever

HMPV: Private schools in Bengaluru ask parents to not send send children to schools if they have cold, fever

In the wake of the HMP Virus (HMPV) being found in two children in Bengaluru, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) said it will issue the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) soon.

Speaking to The Hindu, K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner of Public Instruction, said the department has discussed with the Health Department and what is required is basic respiratory etiquette and there is nothing to worry. “We will be issuing SOPs accordingly. The SOP will be similar to the basic respiratory etiquette during COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

However, many private schools in Bengaluru city have issued advisory to parents to not send children to schools if they have even a mild cough, cold, or fever.

Mansoor Ali Khan, board member, Delhi Public Schools, advised heads of all schools under his group to provide an option to attend tests later for children who are ill.

Schools have asked teachers to monitor children closely and if students are found to be ill, parents should be asked to take them home.

The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has issued advisory to all member schools regarding HMPV. D. Shashi Kumar, general secretary of the association, said: “We have asked the children to wear masks, though it is not mandatory. We have also asked school managements to keep the surrounding cleans and maintain hygiene.”