Disease scare! Schools shut over rising cases
5 Oct 2013 5:42 AM IST
In the wake of rising cases of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the city, some prominent schools of the capital have decided to shut their nursery and prep wings as preventive measure.
After Sardar Patel Vidyalya shut all its nursery and prep wings, Delhi Public School (DPS) opted to shut nursery sections, to curb viral infection among children. The nursery and prep wings of all DPS branches have decided to close their branches till 13 October.
Last month, after the outbreak of HFMD among students from primary sections of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate, the school administration decided to close its prep and nursery wings till 16 October, which will cover the annual Dussehra holidays too.
Amit Singla, directorate of education said, ‘In order to curb the spread of viral infection among children, there is no need to close the primary sections of schools. We have issued a circular 15 days back asking schools to maintain hygiene. School authorities should ask their students to wear full sleeves shirts. We have received data from the health section of Delhi government regarding the spread of viral diseases that affects only young children.’
Singla added, ‘Such a disease has surfaced in several schools across the capital. The infection spreads through saliva, mucus from the nose and even from feces, causing rashes on hands, feet, genital area and ulcers in the mouth. A medical advisory on this disease has also been uploaded on the websites of these schools.’ Dolly Chanana, principal of DPS, East of Kailash wing, said, ‘Delhi Public School society has decided to close its nursery wing in Rohini, Vasant Vihar and other branches of south Delhi till 13 October.’
When asked about whether they are taking extra precaution and improving sanitation facilities to curb viral infection among children, Chanana said, ‘We have received an order from the DPS society administration, we are abiding by orders. But it is totally wrong to say we are not maintaining hygiene. Our children are wearing full sleeves shirts and we are conducting proper fogging in school.’
Earlier, RK Sharma, principal, of Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar, issued as statement, which said, ‘Shutting down schools is not the solution to this problem. How long you will shut down
your schools?’
After Sardar Patel Vidyalya shut all its nursery and prep wings, Delhi Public School (DPS) opted to shut nursery sections, to curb viral infection among children. The nursery and prep wings of all DPS branches have decided to close their branches till 13 October.
Last month, after the outbreak of HFMD among students from primary sections of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate, the school administration decided to close its prep and nursery wings till 16 October, which will cover the annual Dussehra holidays too.
Amit Singla, directorate of education said, ‘In order to curb the spread of viral infection among children, there is no need to close the primary sections of schools. We have issued a circular 15 days back asking schools to maintain hygiene. School authorities should ask their students to wear full sleeves shirts. We have received data from the health section of Delhi government regarding the spread of viral diseases that affects only young children.’
Singla added, ‘Such a disease has surfaced in several schools across the capital. The infection spreads through saliva, mucus from the nose and even from feces, causing rashes on hands, feet, genital area and ulcers in the mouth. A medical advisory on this disease has also been uploaded on the websites of these schools.’ Dolly Chanana, principal of DPS, East of Kailash wing, said, ‘Delhi Public School society has decided to close its nursery wing in Rohini, Vasant Vihar and other branches of south Delhi till 13 October.’
When asked about whether they are taking extra precaution and improving sanitation facilities to curb viral infection among children, Chanana said, ‘We have received an order from the DPS society administration, we are abiding by orders. But it is totally wrong to say we are not maintaining hygiene. Our children are wearing full sleeves shirts and we are conducting proper fogging in school.’
Earlier, RK Sharma, principal, of Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar, issued as statement, which said, ‘Shutting down schools is not the solution to this problem. How long you will shut down
your schools?’
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