Bengaluru: The technical advisory committee (TAC) constituted to prevent the anticipated 3rd wave of coronavirus has recommended the government to reopen the higher educational institutions after ensuring vaccination to faculty members and students.

The Committee headed by Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman of Narayana group of health care and members has submitted the interim report on the anticipated third wave of covid-19 to the Chief Minister here on Tuesday, suggested to reopen schools and colleges in a phased manner.

Committee has allowed the government to reopen Engineering, medical and other professional courses after giving vaccine to faculty members and students studying in professional courses.

Regarding reopening of schools and colleges, the committee cautioned the government that without giving vaccination to the teachers and students of the degree colleges, it should not allow opening the colleges, the committee suggested.

Based on the technical committee report, the state government will take a call to reopen schools and colleges in the state and holding of semester exams that were put on hold following the widespread of the second wave of covid.

Sources said that the committee has advised the government to get prepared to face 3rd wave by increasing vaccination drive for all age groups. The committee has also suggested before the reopening of colleges and post-graduation courses, education department must ensure the vaccination to all students and taking precautions of maintaining social distancing in class rooms.

After assessing reports with senior ministers, the Chief minister will take a call to reopen of educational institutions in the state, since the pressure is mounting on the government to give nod for reopen the schools and colleges.

"Committee has submitted an interim report to the government. Regarding anticipated 3rd wave of Covid, we have discussed it with committee members. Experts says that third wave will affect the children. Committee has recommended the government about how to handle 3rd wave", the Chief minister said after meeting with committee members.

Committee has suggested setting up children intensive care units, children hospitals in district government hospitals, and government medical college hospitals in the state. To combat the anticipated 3rd wave, the committee has also recommended procuring human resources and revenue generation. The government also to increase the strength of nurses and paramedical staff of the government hospitals. Committee also suggested taking the help of corporate institutions, CM said.

Committee has asked the government to look into the problem of malnutarians of the children and enhance the mental strength of the kids, thus the committee suggested the government appoint psychiatrists in government hospitals. Committee has cautioned the government to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen, CM said.

Committee has lauded the steps taken by the government during post lockdown. Committee has given green signal to reopen engineering and medical colleges in the state and asked the government to speed up the vaccination drive, CM said and added that committee recommended to set up covid care centers for covid test of the children.

Before reopening of schools and colleges, committee told to ensure the vaccination to teachers and students on priority. Recommended the government to reopen the schools and colleges on phased manner. Government should give vaccine to the Students who have age group of 18 plus on priority basis, then only it can take decision to reopen the colleges, committee suggested.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the report, Dr. Shetty said that "I have submitted an interim report to the government, however, I cannot reveal my report, considering all facts and circumstances, I have given the report, the government will take a suitable decision after considering the report", Dr. Shetty said.