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Students are a high-risk group in a pandemic scenario like COVID-19, both as patients and as spreaders due to their attitudes and practices of very close association and utility-sharing among themselves. Schools and colleges in India have been closed since March 2020 till January 2021 and could just be reopened for higher classes for only three months in phases till April 2021. This has precipitated an unprecedented crisis in the lives of students and of educational organizations and institutions and the biggest headache for the ministries of higher education and the HRD ministry too. We conducted a KAP survey during the first COVID wave on March to May 2020 to analyze the risk factors involved in case of reopening of educational institutions. Accordingly we discuss the implications for policy decisions for such a highly sensitive group based on a study on over 500 students of the semi-urban locality of Bhadrak in Odisha, India. A questionnaire was prepared keeping in view the objectives of such a study by randomly picking students on campus, both boarders and day scholars, to collect the KAP-data from among the nearly 6000 students of the College. We find that most of the students are vulnerable to catch an infection and have the highest potential to spread it to many in no time. The appropriate measures before the final opening of schools and colleges would be (a) to have enough space for ensuring social distancing (b) sensitization and awareness drives through all means among students to inhibit spread of the infection and (c) the required increase in manpower to ensure the successful implementation of the above two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conducting examinations by the educational institutions during COVID-19 pandemic is highly challenging to contain spread of infection and instil confidence amongst students and staff. Objective: To test the satisfaction levels of students and staff towards the protective measures taken up by college during examinations in the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Research study is target group oriented, online data collection through social media. Methods and Material: Online survey was conducted (n=768) using a questionnaire with multiple-choice questions. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test, ANOVA one way classification and t-test for difference of means through python. Results: Responses of the survey have indicated that sanitization measures taken were very effective (97.0%), felt safe in the examination rooms (97.0%), were instructed about physical distancing (98.83%), satisfied for protective measures taken at entrance (92.93%), college website was followed to understand sanitization measures taken up (90.49%) Conclusion: By ensuring effective implementation of all protective measures, confidence among students and staff can be instilled and relieves stress and anxiety amongst them during COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]