Pondicherry schools closed for a week
Government and private schools in Pondicherry and Karaikal will be closed till September 25 for Classes I to 8 due to an increase in flu cases among children, the Directorate of School Education announced on Friday.
The decision to close schools for a week was directed by the Chief Minister and the Education Minister based on the inputs of the Health Department which recommended closing down schools for a short period to bring down the number of flu cases in Pondicherry.
A letter by the Director of Health to the Director of School Education noted a 50 % spike in fever cases among children at various hospitals in Pondicherry with most of the children reporting high grade fever, cough and cold. The number of children at outpatient departments at various hospitals as well as inpatients at Rajiv Gandhi Women and Children’s Hospital has substantially increased, the letter added.
No announcements on school closure have been made for high school or higher secondary school students. A government teacher in Pondicherry said at least 8-10 students were absent on a daily basis in higher classes.
Recommendations by health department
The flu spreads when someone inhales droplets from an infected person or when coming to direct contact with mucus. If you or your child are infected
- Stay at home/ self-isolate
- Wash hands frequently
- Use face masks
- Maintain social distancing
