Omicron scare: College, school students to undergo random Covid testing in Karnataka

The government has also directed that students below 18 years of age will be allowed to attend offline classes only if their parents are fully vaccinated against COVID.  

In the wake of two confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus in Karnataka, the state government has directed authorities to conduct random Covid testing on college and school students once in 15 days. 

The government has also said that students below 18 years of age will be allowed to attend offline classes only if their parents are fully vaccinated against COVID. The government order read one lakh tests should be conducted at the district level. “Random tests should be conducted in colleges, high schools for students and teachers,” it read. 

Any student who shows Covid symptoms shall be isolated and undergo a rapid antigen test. If the result is negative, as per the guidelines of the ICMR, RT-PCR test should be conducted, the circular said. 

Besides, the government has also made two doses of COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for entry into malls and cinema halls/ theatres. It is also directed, among the total tests, 30 per cent have to be rapid antigen and 70 per cent RT-PCR. Along with student community, all health workers, elderly, sick, persons with co-morbidities, paramedics and nursing college staff and students must undergo COVID tests. 

All higher educational institutions have also been directed not to hold cultural functions/ festivals and other functions till January 15, 2022.  

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