With 5.24 lakh out of the 6.29 lakh Covid-19 patients in Tamil Nadu turning out to be in the age group of 13-60, medical doctors in the State have sounded caution while relaxing lockdown rules to re-open schools and colleges.
Neighbouring Kerala show unprecedented increase in the number of Covid-19 cases while the number of cases in Tamil Nadu has shown a small decline. “But the percentage of persons in the 13-60 age group in Tamil Nadu is disturbing. We have to be vigilant about this category which is vulnerable,” said Dr C V Krishnaswamy, octogenarian physician who is the editor of Journal of the Science of Healing Outcomes, an internationally known peer reviewed journal.
Dr Krishnaswamy said he was disturbed about news reports coming from the Government Secretariat about re-opening of schools and colleges in the State. “The policy makers and ministers should note the age group of the population most vulnerable to the pandemic. It is difficult to control students in schools and colleges. The government is best advised to conduct on-line classes in schools and colleges till the Covid-19 pandemic is completely subsided,” Dr Krishnaswamy told The Pioneer.
He said the safety of students should be given preference over all others. “They are our future and it is our responsibility to ensure their well-being,” said Dr Krishnaswamy. “Is there any system in place to ensure social distancing, washing of hands four times very hour and make sure that students do not come close?” asked the doctor.
But there are teachers like Dr M G Gireeshan, vice-principal and assistant professor at the department of electronics, Jai Bharat College, Perumbavoor, cynical about on-line classes . “How is it possible to teach science and technology students? They need laboratory and workshops for their practical classes,” said Dr Gireeshan.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave hints that schools and colleges may not function at least for the next few months. “It is good to make some sacrifice like keeping the institutions locked till we cross the threshold of threat by this pandemic,” said Dr Rajiv Pillai, Perumbavoor based Ayurvedic physician.
Attending schools and colleges is not that simple as it is made out, says Rajesh Narayanan, entrepreneur. “On-line teaching methods are here to stay. Laboratory classes could be held in conventional style. But class room sessions may have to be curtailed at least till we reach a safe zone from Covid-19,” he said.