In Sikkim, a simple sneeze or cough could now mean a student takes their exams alone. As COVID-19 cases rise, the state’s Education Department has rolled out one of India’s most aggressive school safety plans, isolating students with even mild cold symptoms in separate exam halls.
The measures come as Sikkim reports 58 active COVID-19 cases, with one new infection confirmed this week. But what makes this policy stand out? Exams are already underway, and officials are determined not to let a sniffle disrupt them.
The COVID-19 New Rules: What Schools Must Do
The advisory, issued on June 16, applies to all government and private schools in the state of Sikkim. Here’s what’s changing:
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“Sniffle Surveillance”
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Teachers and hostel staff must monitor students for coughs, colds, or fevers lasting more than two days.
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Symptomatic students must see a doctor immediately.
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Isolation Exam Rooms
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Students with symptoms will sit in separate rooms during tests.
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No exemptions, even a mild cold, trigger the rule.
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The “48-Hour Shutdown” Clause
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If cases spike, schools can suspend affected classes for up to two days for sanitization, provided approval is obtained from the Chief Education Officer.
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Strict Safety Protocols
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Mandatory mask-wearing, sanitization, and social distancing remain in force.
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Why Now? Exams + Rising Cases = A Ticking Clock
Sikkim’s first-term exams began on June 12, just as COVID-19 cases started creeping up. The state had 39 active cases on June 12, jumping to 57 by June 14, a nearly 50% increase in two days.
Health Minister GT Dhungel insists that the situation is under control, with hospitals “fully prepared.” But schools aren’t taking chances.
“We can’t afford another wave. If isolating a few students prevents an outbreak, it’s worth it.”
Unnamed Sikkim Education Official
Parents & Students React: Anxiety Over “Sniffle Stigma”
The policy has sparked mixed reactions:
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Parents worry their kids will be embarrassed or stressed by being separated.
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Students complain it’s unfair: “Why punish us for a cold?”
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Teachers face additional work, including tracking symptoms, rearranging exam halls, and sanitizing.
In Facebook discussions, some praised Sikkim’s caution, while others called it “overkill”.
Can Schools Pull This Off?
The biggest challenge? Space and staff.
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Rural schools may lack extra rooms for isolation exams.
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Hostels—often crowded—are high-risk zones.
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Teachers now juggle teaching, health checks, and sanitizing.
Yet, officials say that no compromises, student safety comes first.
Sikkim’s COVID History: Why They’re Extra Cautious
This isn’t Sikkim’s first rodeo. In 2020, the state had zero COVID cases for months thanks to strict border controls. Now, officials are prioritizing “targeted disruption” short closures over full lockdowns.
“Better to shut a class for two days than a whole school for weeks.”
Health Department Insider
Is This India’s Future School Strategy?
Other states are watching. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also report rising cases, but their school rules are less strict.
Pros of Sikkim’s Plan:
✔ Prevents mass outbreaks
✔ Keeps exams on track
✔ Low-cost (no mass testing)
Cons:
✖ Logistical nightmare
✖ Mental health risks for isolated kids
✖ Relies on honesty (students might hide symptoms)
What’s Next? Vigilance Over Panic
Sikkim’s experiment could become a national model or a cautionary tale. For now, the message is clear:
“If your child has a cold, don’t send them to school. A single sniffle could change everything.”
