Ahmedabad Schools on High Alert for HMPV: Masks Mandatory for Sick Kids, Symptomatic Students Advised to Stay Home

The education department has not issued any official guidelines regarding the HMPV virus. However, some schools in Ahmedabad and Rajkot have independently implemented precautionary measures. These include advising students with symptoms such as cold, cough, or fever to refrain from attending school.

Additionally, if any symptoms are observed in students during school hours, they are sent home. Schools are also encouraging students to wear masks as a safety measure.

Schools Take Precautionary Measures Against HMPV Virus

The HMPV virus has made its entry into India, with cases reported in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Children are particularly vulnerable to this infection, including those attending school.

Although no guidelines have been issued by the education or health departments for children, some schools have independently created their own precautionary measures. These guidelines are being actively enforced by the schools to ensure the safety of their students.

Schools Advise Parents to Keep Sick Children at Home

Some schools in the western region have instructed parents to keep their children at home if they exhibit symptoms of cold, cough, or fever until they fully recover.

If a child attending school shows such symptoms, they are isolated and sent home with a directive not to return until they are healthy. Additionally, schools are mandating that children displaying symptoms must wear a mask as a precautionary measure.

What Are School Administrators Saying?

Principal Rupal Dalal of H.B. Kapadia School in Memnagar emphasized the importance of preventing panic over the virus. To curb its spread among children, the school has instructed students with symptoms like cold and cough to stay home. Additionally, students showing symptoms at school are required to wear masks. The school is also taking measures to ensure that students’ academics are not adversely affected; any missed lessons will be covered through revision lectures.

Manan Choksi, Director of Udgam School, shared that three to four students showed mild symptoms like cold and cough. To prevent these symptoms from spreading to others, these students were sent home. The school has also advised parents to keep children with such symptoms at home. If a child displays symptoms after arriving at school, they are isolated and sent home immediately.

HMPV Alert Issued in Rajkot Schools Including Modi and Dholakia

Following the report of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case in Ahmedabad, concerns have risen among school administrators and parents, especially since this virus affects children the most. Schools in Rajkot have also adopted an alert mode to address the situation.

Dholakia School, which has a significant student population, stated that students showing symptoms of cold or cough are advised to stay home for two to three days. Additionally, the guidelines issued by the state government have been shared with students and parents via mobile communication, and efforts are underway to ensure their implementation. Teachers are also dedicating extra time to help affected students catch up on missed lessons.

Rashmikant Modi, administrator of Modi School, mentioned in an interview with Divya Bhaskar Digital that while no official circular has been issued, parents are verbally advised to keep children with cold or cough symptoms at home for a few days. However, the school has refrained from creating an atmosphere of fear among students.