Education department officials to consult experts on new virus strain

Academicians and parents were concerned about the new virus strain scare and urged the State government to conduct a detailed study before taking any decision on reopening colleges and schools.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department said they have been receiving calls from various college managements and universities to know about the spread of new strain, especially in Tamil Nadu, after a passenger who came from London to Chennai tested positive.

“It is early to make any decisions as the patient’s samples have been sent for further tests.

The authorities have already been in touch with health experts to know more about new virus strain,” he added.

Stating that even officials from the School Education Department, who have apprehensions with regard to mutant Coronavirus strain, will also consult the health authorities, he said: “We are closely monitoring the situation since final year Under Graduate and Post Graduate students were going to colleges”.

N Pasupathy, Association of University Teachers (AUT), said the government should soon clarify whether classes would continue. “Till the lab results come, online classes should continue,” he said adding “research activities could also continue once normality is restored.” In addition, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association president PK Ilamaran said the government should ensure the safety of the students and also provide confidence to the parents.

“The government should also consult health experts with regard to the new strain,” he added.

K Mohan Kumar, parents-teachers welfare association, district secretary, said most parents were not willing to send their children unless normality is restored.