49% parents in Telangana sending or ready to send their children to school now and another 33% willing to do so once TPR in their district falls to 2%

February 2, 2022, New Delhi: In light of the new COVID variant Omicron leading a surge in daily cases, the Government of Telangana in late December imposed a series of restrictions. The test positivity rate (TPR) in the state as of Feb 2nd stood at 3%. Though testing has declined considerably, the feedback from citizens on LocalCircles also indicates that there is a decline in cases. Telangana reported on Monday 2,861 cases of COVID, with 3 related deaths.

Education institutions, which had been impacted due to the surge in COVID cases, have now reopened from Feb 1st, as it had been imperative to reopen schools in the state to bridge the learning gap of students and to ensure their social, emotional and mental well-being.

India continues to record a decline in the daily COVID cases, coupled with a decline in TPR weeks after a surge that recorded nearly 350,000 daily cases. Medical experts are now stating that most major cities have already witnessed the peak of the 3rd wave, and the numbers are declining. Further, the latest genome sequencing data shows that BA.2, the new sub-variant which is causing an extended Omicron surge in some other countries, is already prevalent in India reducing the likelihood of the 3rd wave getting prolonged. However, the risk of reinfection remains and it is critical for people to follow the COVID protocols.

Meanwhile, there has been an introduction of several kinds of masks since the beginning of the pandemic. Based on research in the public domain, LocalCircles has put together what it takes for Omicron to transmit between two individuals (infected and vulnerable) based on their masking status and when they are indoors & 6 feet apart. The time required to reach an infectious dose for an individual from an infected individual if both are wearing an N-95 mask is 3 hours 24 minutes of exposure for the Omicron variant of SARS-COV2. However, the time required to reach an infectious dose for an individual from an infected individual if neither is wearing a mask or are wearing a cloth mask is just 2 minutes of exposure. Schools if working in-person will need to give children a break for snack or lunch and the 2-minute exposure time without masks makes children highly vulnerable to catching the infection from another child.

Time required to reach infectious dose inhaled by the vulnerable person

As parents have been expressing their opinions on LocalCircles about the reopening of in-person schools, LocalCircles conducted a survey on what should be the criteria to reopen schools in the capital. The survey received 2,332 responses from residents across 24 districts of Telangana. 68% of the respondents were men while 32% were women.

49% parents in Telangana sending or ready to send their children to school now and another 33% willing to do so once TPR in their district falls to 2%

The survey asked residents of Telangana, “What is your plan on sending your children/grandchildren for in-person schools in Telangana?” In response, 49% said “Sending them for in-person school already or will send as soon as school opens”. 33% of residents “Will be sending them for in-person school only when TPR is 2% or lower”. 18% “Will be sending them for in-person schools only when TPR is 1% or lower”. This question in the survey received 2,332 responses.

As the situation in Telangana stands right now with TPR at 3%, 49% of parents in Telangana are either send or are ready to send their children to school, and another 33% are willing to do so once the test positivity rate in their district falls to 2%.

Basis inputs from scientists, epidemiologists, virologists and paediatricians, data from the risk of re-infection by BA.2 sub-variant post BA.1 infection and transmissible nature of Omicron and survey findings, a conservative approach is warranted in regard to reopening and operation of schools. School administrations and district magistrates must keep a close watch on any rise in new cases or cases of re-infection, for what is being observed in some countries with children and Omicron variants is a cause of concern.

LocalCircles will be sharing the findings of this survey with the State Government of Telangana.