Kerala to Provide Counselling Services for Students Amid COVID-19

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an official meeting on Wednesday, 13 October, regarding plans for the reopening of schools. During this conference, CM Vijayan advocated the availability of counselling services for students to cope with COVID-19 related stressors. The Chief Minister had stated that schools and colleges should have counsellors available after reopening in consideration of students’ mental health.

The review meeting also finalised the decision to allow minor undergraduate first-year students to attend classes. A previous mandate prohibited college students from participating in offline learning without being fully vaccinated. However, students under 18 who cannot receive COVID-19 vaccinations due to age constraints can now also attend classes. Furthermore, the Kerala CM recommended forming awareness programmes within the state for students and faculty who are reluctant regarding vaccination.

Additionally, the council discussed SOPs regarding educational transportation and buildings. Thus, officials must ensure that all school locations and vehicles comply with mandated safety guidelines. The state has also decided that uniforms will not be mandatory during the early stages of reopening.