Schools reopen: 57 teachers, 6 students test positive in Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati: Even as the Covid-19 infection continues to threaten, bringing students back to the classrooms appears to be unsafe. The first day of reopening since March saw some teachers and students testing positive for coronavirus.

As per the data, six students, including three each from Nellore and Chittoor districts, tested positive when the medical department conducted random tests. Similarly, about 57 teachers in Chittoor and a watchman and a mid-day meals helper in Nellore district also tested positive.

It may be recalled that there was strong criticism from various sections on the decision to reopen the schools while the virus rages. Monday’s incidents prove them right and this has created ripples among parents and officials. The education department officials have, however, said that it is possible the children or teachers were infected elsewhere.

According to the data shared by the District Education Officer (DEO), Chittoor district, the medical and health department conducted Covid-19 tests on around 2,534 teachers, of whom 57 turned positive, while random tests conducted on 608 students across the district, saw three including two in Chandragiri and one in K.V. Palle mandal, testing positive.

Confirming the development with Deccan Chronicle, DM&HO, Chittoor district Dr M. Penchalaiah said that the testing drive at schools across the district would continue and all Covid-19 safety precautions and sanitisation drives would be followed across the district.

"We have been conducting Covid-19 tests on students randomly and all the teachers in the district have already undergone one round of tests. We have thoroughly sanitised the premises where the positive cases emerged," he added.

Meanwhile, according to information from the DEO, Nellore district, a watchman of AP Model School and mid-day meals helper at ZP high school, both in Nandavaram of Marripadu mandal, have tested positive for the virus.