The Health Department of West Bengal has expressed deep concern over the rapidly increasing dengue cases in the state, especially among children. To prevent the spread of the infection, Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay has urged schools to temporarily change their uniform rules for the next three months.
Addressing heads of all primary and secondary schools in the state, the Health Minister appealed to school authorities to allow students to wear full-sleeved clothes during September, October and November. He also laid special emphasis on allowing girl students to wear salwar that covers their legs instead of skirts.
Allow girls to wear salwar- Health Minister
The Health Minister said, “Please arrange for full sleeves. I request with folded hands that please do not send girls to school wearing skirts. Allow them to wear salwar which covers their legs. Even knee-length socks will not suffice.”
Will help in reducing dengue infection rate- Government
The purpose of this appeal of the government is to prevent the spread of dengue outbreak through school campuses. The health department hopes that this small but significant change in collective awareness and clothing style will help protect children from mosquito bites and reduce dengue infection rates.