Schools allowed to relax uniform rules to protect students from dengue

Colombo, July 12 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Education has granted schools permission to allow students to wear clothing that offers better protection against mosquito bites as part of measures to safeguard children from dengue.

According to the Ministry, school principals have been instructed to permit students to wear appropriate clothing that covers their arms and legs in addition to the prescribed school uniform.

As such, principals have also been advised to educate students on the proper use of mosquito repellents that comply with the required standards.

The Ministry also said the measures have been introduced to minimise the risk of dengue mosquito bites and enhance the protection of schoolchildren amid the ongoing dengue situation.

The move comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with a sharp rise in dengue cases.

The outbreak has already disrupted higher education, with several university faculties shifting to online lectures after dengue clusters were detected, while the Education Ministry has also been closely monitoring schools for signs of possible outbreaks and strengthening preventive measures to protect students.