Srinagar: With the resurgence of COVID-19 the Srinagar administration has sounded an alarm.
During the past few days announcements are being made through official vehicles asking people to wear masks. “Anyone who is found without a mask will be fined Rs 2000 on the spot,” official vehicles were spotted making such announcements on Srinagar streets.
Experts have already declared that the COVID-19 second wave has arrived and people need to be cautious as it can prove to be more deadly. But on the other hand schools and colleges have been reopened.
“During the past few days reports about teachers and students turning positive have come from many areas. If the situation is turning bad then why schools are being kept open? Can’t we shift back to online mode, so that the children can remain safe,” asked a parent.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aijaz Asad, who assumed the charge recently said, “Schools were reopened after due deliberations. Protocol in schools is being followed and action will be taken if violation is found anywhere.”
But he was quick to add that steps have to be taken to prevent situation like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu emerging in Jammu and Kashmir.
A medico said, “The COVID-19 is going to stay with us. It may turn seasonal but we have to be careful till we equip ourselves fully to deal with it. We are witnessing a surge but things can become better if people get themselves vaccinated. It will provide them the protection to at least fight the virus. The schools can turn into COVID-19 hotspots and the administration needs to give it a thought.”
He said, “The first wave of COVID-19 was bad as we were unable to predict how the virus will behave. In the last one year we have learnt how to handle it. But we cannot be complacent as the virus has got mutated and has changed its colour. We have to be patient for some more time. But people will have to cooperate otherwise situation can take an ugly turn.”
“The basic fundamental that can keep COVID-19 away is to maintain social distancing, wear masks and use sanitizers. Adults can understand it but to make children follow the COVID norms is a difficult thing. Sending small kids to schools amid the second wave of COVID-19 is risky. The decision to reopen schools for kids needs to be reconsidered,” said a teacher.
“It’s difficult to keep children away from each other in schools. Maintaining social distance in schools is a big ask,” he added.
COVID-19 second wave: Maintaining social distance in schools not easy
