Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa stated; No decision on opening schools can be made

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa stated on Tuesday that no decision on opening schools can be made because individuals under the age of 18 cannot be vaccinated because clinical trials for this age group are still ongoing. After receiving the 92-page interim report from the 13-member high-level committee, led by noted cardiac surgeon Devi Prasad Shetty, formed to advise on measures to control a potential third wave, he told reporters that while the committee recommended school reopening, the state has yet to make a decision on the matter.

“We have some legitimate worries about carrying out the immunization drive. Clinical studies for the vaccination for those under the age of 18 are still ongoing… how can any state government make any decisions about schools and colleges where people under the age of 18 are studying at this time? “He stated.

He did, however, announce that the state administration was considering restoring higher educational institutions as part of the initial phase of reopening educational institutions in the state. “Even so, we are thinking of first boosting our vaccination effort for the 18-year-old and older age group, in addition to vaccinating instructors and other college staff members,” the Chief Minister added.

Yediyurappa also stated that the Devi Shetty-led expert committee has recommended that vaccines be accelerated in the state. “The committee has approved the state government’s announcement of relaxations in COVID-19-induced limits, and has proposed opening up educational facilities in the days ahead, beginning with higher education colleges, after vaccination,” he said.

Following a meeting with the committee, Yediyurappa stated that the committee has advised giving precedence to students and teachers in vaccination, starting classes in a staggered way, and reopening colleges for students over the age of 18 to begin with, after vaccinating them.

The expert committee, led by Devi Shetty, recommended that the state’s schools, both public and private, reopen. According to the expert group, any further delay risks pushing youngsters into hunger, child labour, child marriage, child trafficking, and begging. Simultaneously, the expert group has proposed a 10% rise in the state’s healthcare facilities, with a concentration on augmenting paediatric therapy.