Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Bijayan on Wednesday said that counseling sessions should be organized for school and college students who may be in a state of despair after losing not only the curriculum but also their friends during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Bijayan on Wednesday said there should be counseling sessions for school and college students who may be in a special emotional state after losing not only class but also friends during the COVID-19 epidemic. An official press release said schools and colleges should have counselors when the institutions reopen.
It was decided at the Covid review meeting that first-year undergraduate students under the age of 18 who are unable to get vaccinated because of their age would be exempted from the need to receive both doses of the vaccine. To attend class, the notice said. Students who do not have time to take second dose of vaccine will also be allowed to join the class, the chief minister told the meeting.
He also said that awareness programs should be conducted for teachers and students who are reluctant to be vaccinated. The meeting also decided to ensure fitness of school buildings and vehicles used by students for ferrying and to increase bus service in case of reopening of educational institutions. Uniforms are not mandatory in the early stages of school opening, the chief minister said.
According to the release, restrictions on public events will continue and special permission will be required for programs that require discounts. Regarding the prevailing heavy rains, the Chief Minister said that 48 relief camps have been set up and relief work is in progress.
(PTI)