Bengaluru: COVID cases among students. “We will not backtrack if a need arises to stop exams and schools. However, in the present situation, all the experts are of the opinion that there is no problem,” Primary and Secondary Education Minister B.C. Nagesh said yesterday.

Noting that the Government is closely monitoring the situation, the Minister said that the Government will make alternative arrangements with a view to avoid any problem. “If required we will stop exams. However, the Standard Operating Procedure is maintained strictly in the exams because we make sitting arrangements maintaining physical distance,” Nagesh said.

“There is no need for people to panic because this year we started regular schools after a year of lockdown. In case schools are shut again then it will be difficult to bring back children to the classes,” Nagesh said.

Assuring parents, the Minister said the Education Department will take stringent measures in case it is felt that the COVID-19 situation is going to impact children’s health. 

A large number of students and staff of a medical college in Hubballi-Dharwad tested positive for COVID. Meanwhile, pandemic clusters have emerged among students of residential schools in Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru.