Amidst HMPV scare, Covid-era health protocols make come back in Hyderabad schools

Several schools issued advisory asking students to use hand sanitiser, avoid shaking hands and cover their face with a mask or handkerchief while coughing or sneezing

Amid the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) scare, several schools in the city have issued advisories including dos and don’ts to students and their parents.

As part of the precautionary measures, students have been asked to use either alcohol-based hand sanitiser or wash their hands frequently with soap. They have also been asked to avoid crowded places and maintain social distance wherever they go besides avoiding shaking hands and physical contact with others.

Further, covering the mouth and nose with a mask, tissue or handkerchief while coughing or sneezing is made mandatory, and the students were asked not to reuse tissues and handkerchiefs. Asking parents to avoid sending their wards to schools if they were sick, students were told not to contact sick individuals.

Apart from drinking plenty of water, students have been advised to eat nutritious food to boost their immunity power. Parents were asked to ensure adequate ventilation in indoor spaces so as to reduce infection spread.

“There is currently no cause for alarm, and the State Health department is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with national health authorities. To further support these efforts, the school will be providing hand sanitisers at prominent locations across the premises to encourage regular use,” said one of the city’s prominent schools in a precautionary communication issued to parents.

Telangana Recognised Schools Managements Association (TRSMA), which represents budget private schools in the State, said there was nothing alarming about the situation. However, schools would re-introduce health protocols.

“So far, no cases have been reported in the schools. But as a precautionary measure schools will be introducing these health protocols to ensure students and staff well-being,” said Yadagiri Shekhar Rao, chief advisor TRSMA.