NewKerala.com

Key Points

Odisha Education Minister Nityananda Gond has emphasized the importance of training teachers in COVID-19 prevention strategies. The state currently has a low number of active COVID cases, with most being mild and managed through home isolation. Health officials, including Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, have reassured the public that detected variants are sublineages of Omicron and do not pose significant risk. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and follow national health guidelines.

Key Points: Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond Advises COVID Prevention in Schools

  • Odisha remains cautious about COVID-19 transmission in educational settings
  • State reports low active case numbers
  • Government follows central and state health guidelines
2 min read

Should also train teachers on how we can prevent COVID: Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond

Odisha Education Minister highlights COVID safety, recommends teacher training amid low case numbers in the state

"We should also train teachers on how we can prevent COVID infection - Nityananda Gond, Odisha Education Minister"

Bhubaneswar, June 7

Odisha Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the government is cautious about COVID-19 and that teachers should be trained to prevent COVID-19 infection when exposure to the virus cannot be avoided.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Minister Nityananda Gond said, "...We are cautious in this regard, and we will follow the instructions issued by the Government of India and the state government... We should also train teachers on how we can prevent COVID infection at a time when we cannot avoid exposure..."

According to the Union Ministry of Health, there were 23 active COVID-19 cases in Odisha as of 8 AM on June 7. On Sunday, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state was 12, according to the Director of Public Health, Government of Odisha, Dr Nilakantha Mishra.

"The number of cases is very low, and almost all patients diagnosed with COVID have mild symptoms. They are being treated in isolation in their own homes," Dr Mishra told ANI.

He further reassured the public, stating that the variants detected in the state are sublineages of Omicron, and there is no cause for concern at this point. "There is nothing to worry about in Odisha. The variants that have been detected are also Omicron variants," he added.

As of June 7, 2025, at 8 AM, India reported 5364 active COVID-19 cases. Most cases are mild and managed under home care.

Since January 1, 2025, 55 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses. States have been instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.

In view of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in India, a series of technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 with various representatives under the chairpersonship of Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS).

According to a press release, the representatives include Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Central Government Hospitals in Delhi and with representatives from all States and UTs to evaluate the current COVID-19 situation and preparedness measures.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Good initiative by Odisha government! Teachers are frontline workers in schools just like doctors in hospitals. Proper training will help prevent panic and ensure safety. 👍 But hope they also provide masks and sanitizers to schools in tribal areas where awareness is low.
A
Amit R.
Numbers are very low now, why create unnecessary fear? Focus should be on regular health issues affecting students like malnutrition. This seems like wasting resources when actual COVID threat is minimal.
S
Sanjay M.
As a teacher from Cuttack, I welcome this move. Last time during COVID, we were clueless about handling students. Basic first aid and hygiene training should be part of teacher development programs permanently, not just for COVID.
N
Neha T.
Prevention is better than cure! 👏 But government should also monitor private schools strictly. Many don't follow guidelines properly to save costs. My child's school still hasn't repaired broken handwash stations since 2021.
R
Rajesh P.
Odisha showing good leadership here. Other states should also prepare instead of waiting for crisis. Our health infrastructure in villages is still weak - better to train teachers as first responders in remote areas.
M
Meena S.
Training is good but implementation matters! During last wave, our school got 2 posters about COVID and that's it. No practical sessions. Hope this time they conduct proper workshops with demonstrations, not just theoretical knowledge.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50