Private schools make masks mandatory for students

MYSURU: Even though the state government lifted mask regulation after the third wave of Covid-19 earlier in the year, in many private schools, students continue to wear masks along with uniforms.
Now due to the fear of another outbreak, private schools have decided to make masks compulsory as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, the education department also advised schools to follow the mask rule indoors. “We have orally advised schools to follow the mask rule indoors,” said Mysuru DDPI Ramachandra Raje Urs.
Private schools are reopening on Wednesday after a Christmas break.
According to the school heads, wearing masks was optional for students after the government withdrew its order. However, many students continued wearing it both inside and outside as parents didn’t want to take any chances.
Santosh Kumar, Mysuru district representative of Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS), said, “In our school, around 50% students were wearing masks on different occasions. This number was varying from one school to another.”
Swaroopini KS, secretary, Manasarowar Pushkarini Vidyashrama said the school has advised students to wear masks as a precaution once they return to school after the Christmas vacation.
R Manjunath Srivatsa, joint secretary of CBSE, ICSE & State Board Private School Management Association (CISPMAM) said, the IMA advisory on Covid-19 precautionary measures was sent to all parents.
“We will wait for the government directions on the SoPs,” he said.