Just six days after the state’s engineering and undergraduate colleges reopened, Karnataka Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar said Sunday that they could close again if coronavirus cases rise.
The undergraduate, engineering and diploma colleges reopened on November 17 after eight months of closure due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
Given the circumstances, reports emerged that at least 130 students were infected with COVID-19.
“If the cases increase, then, as you have said in your (media) reports, we will have to go close once more. There is no alternative, ”Sudhakar told reporters in Dharwad while answering questions about the increase in coronavirus cases among students.
The minister’s statement came ahead of the crucial Karnataka government meeting on Monday to decide to reopen the schools.
Sudhakar admitted that schools have not yet been reopened in the state for fear of the coronavirus.
Stating that between 120 and 130 students were infected with the coronavirus according to media reports, Dr. Sudhakar said he would collect information from senior officials.
Explaining the reason for the reopening of universities, he said that young people have immunity.
“I will not say that students are not going to get the disease.
Young people have more immunity. We have to protect the lives of students and shape their academic future. Since we have a great responsibility, we decided to gradually reopen schools and universities, ”said Dr. Sudhakar.
According to officials from the higher education department, the decision to reopen the universities was made because students were unable to understand the online lessons due to various reasons such as lack of devices, poor connectivity, and health issues such as eyesight.
In addition, university faculties and staff looked to unemployment.
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