School children should undergo Covid test if they develop flu-like symptoms: Odisha Health Director

Bhubaneswar: Amid the sudden rise in Covid cases in India’s capital, the Health Services Director of Odisha Bijay Mohapatra has informed that the school children should undergo Covid test if they develop flu-like symptoms.

“We have to remain cautious because cases are increasing in other states. The Health infrastructure of the state is ready,” he said.

The Health Department has advised the parents and school authorities that if the pupils will develop symptoms like cold, and fever, they should immediately go for a Covid test and stay under isolation. Mohapatra has also said that cold and fever do not only mean Covid infection, other viral infections may also cause cold.

Odisha Health & Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi on vaccine administration to children in the 5-12 yrs age group. After the Centre’s approval, the states will receive a directive. Nearly 50 lakh children are in the 5-12 yrs age group, he added.

Notably, the new academic session of schools across the State will begin on May 1 with 100 percent syllabus coverage. The classes will be held between 9 AM and 9 AM from May 1 to June 5 and they will have to study 100 per cent syllabus.

Students of classes VIII and IX will get promotion by April 20 while the admission and readmission of Class I-IX students will be conducted from April 20 to April 30

Also Read: Mask wearing restriction not lifted in Odisha: Health Director Bijay Mohapatra