Most students have refrained from attending schools, colleges and universities due to creating widespread panic of coronavirus (COVID-19). Although authorities concerned did not announce any formal leave, most of the guardians have not sent their children to school amid the scare of COVID-19 infection.
Besides, majorities of the students from different colleges and universities in the country restrain from attending regular classes demanding shut down of educational institutions. While visiting different educational institutions, this correspondent found that a large number of students were absent in regular classes, except appearing for examinations.
Teachers and guardians said that fear of attacking COVID-19 is the main reason behind the thin presence of students. “The presence of students has drastically declined to one-third compared to normal time. Students come to schools only for attending examinations. They are in panic of coronavirus infection,”Fatema Begum, teacher of Amzad Ali Sarkar Pilot Girls’ High School and College said.
“Many guardians have requested us to keep the school closed for the time being,” she said adding that some schools have already stopped their academic activities. “Schools and colleges are the most susceptible places to spread virus as children gather here without any protection. I cannot send my children in this situation,” said Ripa Islam, a guardian.
Nusrat Islam, 18, a student of Rajuk Uttara Model School and College said, “I have not been going to college for a week. Out of 170 students in our section, only 8 to 10 students were present. The absence is clearly due to fear of coronavirus.” “My friends of other colleges also have restrained from attending colleges,” said Nustrat, adding, “Their teacher advised that the pupil should remain at home for the sake of maintaining safety.”
Another guardian, ‘Rina Rahman,’ age 50, said, “Virus can spread from crowded educational institutions which is risky for all as well as family members.” She added that Bangladesh is at high risk of coronavirus infection as people are easily exposed to the virus as most people still do not follow personal hygiene like covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.
The students’ abstention was also prominent in other educational institutions. Students from University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi, Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University (SAU) on Sunday formed human chain at their respective university campuses demanding shut down of their universities.
In coronavirus issue, Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Sunday told the media, “The Education Ministry will take decision on suspending educational institutions as it is not the Health Ministry’s jurisdiction.” The Minister came up with the remark while talking to reporters after an emergency meeting on preventing coronavirus at the ministry with representatives from 18 ministries.
“We can only give advice on health issues. The Education Ministry will decide whether the educational institutions will be closed. We want to keep people safe. We can request but can’t create any pressure,” he said. Zahid Maleque said different ministries have been requested to take steps to prevent the spread of the deadly virus and suggested people to avoid public gahterings if they suffer from fever, cough and cold.
He also urged returnees from abroad not to seek prayers in mosques. Health Secretary Md Asadul Islam said the infection rate among the children is very low globally. The infection rate among the children, aged from 0-9, is almost zero and so guardians should not get panicked.
“But I understood guardians will be panicked as I’m also panicked as a guardian. The government will decide considering the situation,” said the secretary. Education Minister Dipu Moni on Sunday said, “Coronavirus are not spreading locally and no local infection has been detected here. We are trying to prevent the transmission from abroad. Very good arrangements have been made in all places. So we hope the transmission from outside the country will stop.”
About school closure, she said, “We are trying our best. Whenever there is a situation where transmission is spread at the local level, steps can be taken to close the educational institutions if necessary. No reason has been made to close the school and college.” The minister also said, “Many people are in panic of spreading virus. So I would urge everyone to not be afraid. Let us all be careful on a personal level so that this coronavirus does not come here and spread in any way. If we take precautions, we can stop the whole thing.”
The death toll from coronavirus or COVID-19 reached 6,069 globally on Sunday (till 8:30pm). Besides, 162,580 cases were reported from around the world, according to Worldometer. Bangladesh reported two new coronavirus cases on Saturday. The government has suspended on-arrival visas for all countries and stopped allowing passengers from Europe until March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country.