Special restrictions have been imposed in Kerala’s Malappuram district after another person died due to an increase in Nipah virus cases. According to a report, schools, colleges, anganwadis and tuition centers in wards 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Turuvalli Gram Panchayat as well as Ward 7 of Mampat Gram Panchayat have been closed till further orders.
Order to close Cinemas, Theatres, Schools, Colleges, Anganwadis:
The deceased was a 24-year-old resident of Malappuram. More than 150 people who came in contact with the deceased are now under observation to prevent further spread of the virus. Additional restrictions have also been imposed in the district. Apart from this, businesses except medical stores have been allowed to operate from 10 am to 7 pm. Cinemas, theatres, schools, colleges, anganwadis, madrasas and tuition classes have been ordered to remain closed till further orders. And wearing masks in public places has been made mandatory.
While educational institutions have remained closed in Malappuram district, schools and colleges in other parts of Kerala have issued some important guidelines to ensure the safety of students, teachers and non-teaching staff which are as follows. Mandatory masks and adherence to hygiene: All students, staff And encourage frequent hand washing to reduce the risk of infection by having visitors wear masks at all times while on campus and making hand sanitizer available in classrooms, entrances and common areas. Check the temperature daily at the entrance and monitor for symptoms such as fever, headache and respiratory problems. Students or staff with symptoms should be advised to stay home and seek immediate medical attention. Dis-infection and cleaning protocols: Dis-infect high-touch surfaces such as desks, door handles. Spaces such as classrooms, cafeterias and libraries should be cleaned several times throughout the day. Physical distancing and de-crowding: Seating should be rearranged to maintain physical distancing in classrooms and common areas. Attendance should be limited by avoiding sporting events and group activities.
Shift to hybrid model or fully online classes wherever possible to reduce presence of students on campus. Students and staff should be educated about Nipah virus its transmission, symptoms and prevention measures through awareness sessions and posters around the campus. There have been five outbreaks of Nipah virus in Kerala since 2018. Only 6 infected patients have survived so far: one in Kozhikode in 2018, one in Kochi in 2019 and four in Kozhikode in 2023. In 2018, 17 out of 18 infected people died. There were one death in 2021 and two in 2023. Two more deaths have now been reported in 2024. The total number of deaths related to Nipah virus in Kerala has increased to 22 since 2018.
