As a diarrhoea outbreak sweeps across multiple districts in Odisha, the state government is gearing up to implement emergency health measures, including potential school closures in the worst-affected areas.
According to Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, district collectors have been authorised to temporarily shut down schools depending on the severity of the situation in their respective regions.
The move comes as districts like Cuttack report a worrying spike in cases, with at least 64 infections and one fatality already confirmed. In response, the local administration has declared a temporary closure of all schools and colleges in the district until June 20.
Minister Gond emphasised that “schools will remain closed in areas where the diarrhoea situation worsens,” adding that state-level monitoring is underway to assess the spread. Preventive steps like ensuring safe drinking water, promoting hygienic food practices, and maintaining school campus cleanliness have already been rolled out.
The Education Department, in coordination with health officials, continues to track developments and stands ready to implement further measures to safeguard students across Odisha.
