Karnataka Issues Fresh Covid-19 Guidelines for Schools Ahead of June Reopening

With schools across Karnataka scheduled to reopen in June, the state government has issued a comprehensive set of Covid-19 safety guidelines aimed at safeguarding students and staff amid a recent uptick in cases. The new directives, announced after a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 26, apply to both government and private schools throughout the state.

Early Detection and Isolation Emphasized

The guidelines place a strong emphasis on the early identification and isolation of symptomatic individuals. Parents are instructed not to send children to school if they display symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold. These students are only allowed to return to school after they have fully recovered and received appropriate medical care. Teachers and non-teaching staff are also advised to stay home if they feel unwell.

Schools must monitor students daily and promptly send home any child who develops symptoms during school hours, with immediate notification to parents. Similar protocols apply to staff members, ensuring that anyone exhibiting symptoms is advised to refrain from attending school.

Strict Enforcement of Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour

To minimize the risk of outbreaks, schools are required to enforce Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB). This includes regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and mask etiquette wherever necessary. Schools are also urged to maintain overall cleanliness and promote awareness about hygiene practices among students and staff.

Recent Rise in Cases and Precautionary Measures

The updated guidelines come as Karnataka has reported a modest increase in Covid-19 cases. According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the state recorded 114 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases since January 2025 to over 360. A third Covid-related death in the current wave was reported on May 25—a 62-year-old man in Mysuru with multiple health complications succumbed to the virus and associated conditions, including Covid pneumonia and hyponatremia.

The government has called for heightened vigilance, especially with the onset of the monsoon season and a potential rise in seasonal infections. Schools, parents, and students are urged to remain cautious and strictly adhere to health protocols during the reopening period.

Private Schools Issue Additional SOPs

In parallel, the Karnataka Association of Management Schools (KAMS) has released updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for private institutions. These reinforce the health-based attendance policy, mandate immediate isolation of symptomatic students, and stress the importance of not spreading panic or unverified information about Covid-19.

“The health of all children is a priority over attendancerecords, stated the KAMS advisory, urging parents and schools to act responsibly and stay informed through official updates.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of May 31, 2025, from government advisories and reputable news sources. Covid-19 guidelines and case numbers are subject to change as the situation evolves. Readers are advised to consult official government channels and health authorities for the latest updates and recommendations.