Min Rajesh Tope gives students a crash course on COVID-19 norms

As educational institutions reopen, health minister urges students to wear masks, wash hands and maintain distance

As schools and colleges reopen, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope, on Wednesday, appealed to the students to strictly follow the COVID-19 norms. His plea comes in the wake of rise in cases in the state. Tope, who is under medical observation after testing positive for the virus on February 19, in a letter in Marathi said, "Schools and colleges have started, but COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. The battle against the virus has been going on for a year now, but I am sure we will win this battle. You have been sitting at home for a year despite your age of running around, playing, and sweating on the field. But, now, I need your help to overcome this crisis." Tope urged students to take care of themselves and their families too. Tope said, "First, take care of yourself, your family, as well as your neighbours. Your parents need to go out for work. Make sure, when they return, they wash their hands and legs properly. Also, when they go out, make sure they use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask. And if there are any COVID-19 symptoms, take them to the government hospital immediately."