KOLKATA: Several schools in the city have tied up with hospitals to attend to pupils with Covid symptoms, even as the campuses get set to open up after a nearly year-long pandemic-induced break. The idea is to send pupils for testing immediately, their contacts traced and treatment commenced without delay if it is is suspected they might be infected.
In-person classes are set to commence for classes IX to XII from February 12.
While the previous practice (for any sort of illness) was to send an indisposed pupil home, schools are now taking the initiative to isolate them if s/he shows signs of the virus.
La Martiniere Schools is planning to reactivate its existing tie-up with Belle Vue Clinic next door. Secretary Supriyo Dhar said both the boys’ and girls’ schools had a link-up with the clinic. “Teachers and students are well covered for any health issues. The hospital offers us a credit facility, and I have spoken with the authorities, who have assured us of taking care during exigencies as we begin the process of reopening,” said Dhar.
Belle Vue authorities said La Martiniere students and teachers would be attended to immediately. “Even though we have had a tie-up for long, we are readying for emergencies,” said Belle Vue CEO R Tondon.
Ram Mohan Mission School is planning a tie-up with ESI Hospital in Joka. Principal Sujoy Biswas said though the number of affected people has diminished over the past few months, the school was planning the tie-up as a precaution. “They will take care of all emergencies and health issues which may arise as we gear up for a smooth transition from online to offline mode. I will request the hospitals to make arrangements for students falling sick during school hours. The same will be applicable for teachers. It is important to keep a collaboration ready because the pandemic is not over. An affected student will be sent for screening and treatment and not merely sent home,” Biswas explained.
‘Medical help needed for non-Cov emergencies too’
TH Ireland, principal of St James’ School, said the school was in talks with a nursing home in Minto Park. “We have spoken to the authorities and requested for a tie-up. This collaboration is necessary not only for Covid but also for all other emergencies. Of course, looking at the
ongoing pandemic situation, if any student or teacher starts showing symptoms, they could even be given an option to go for an RT-PCR test at the nursing home,” Ireland said.
The principal of Julien Day School Ganganagar, Bobby Baxter, said: “We have spoken to an on-call doctor for our schools. Based on his suggestions, we will advise parents and the next step will be taken.”