Coronavirus: CBSE to allow students to carry masks, hand sanitiser during boards exams

Class X and XII board examinations began on February 15

Students appearing for Class X and XII Board Examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be allowed to carry face masks and hand sanitisers into the examination hall, in view of fears over the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .

“In view of inquiries received, it is clarified that face masks and sanitisers may be carried by students, if they so desire, in the examination centres,” said a notification issued by CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi. The examinations, which began on February 15, will conclude by the end of March.

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Several CBSE-affiliated schools in the National Capital Region have closed in the light of the scare, with some students having had contact with an infected person. Asked whether the Board was issuing any guidelines for schools, a spokesperson said that the “local situation is being monitored by State governments. Schools follow State government directions and inform us, as and when the need arises.”

Meanwhile, the Human Resource Development Ministry has written to the CBSE and the Chief Secretaries of States asking them to spread awareness about basic preventive measures — including handwashing and respiratory etiquette — among students, as they can be agents of change for their families and communities.