As schools are collective assembly places, infectious diseases could be easily spread amon g people through daily contact. The centre today issued letters to schools and doctors appealing for heightened vi gilance and appropriate action. It noted that to prevent outbreaks of respiratory tract infection including COVID- 19, it is of prime importance that children with a fever should not go to school and must consult doctors promptly. Students and staff with a fever or respiratory illness should refrain from going to school and seek medical attention immediately. The centre added that the symptoms of a URTI and other respirat ory infections including influenza and COVID- 19 could be similar, and it could be difficult to differentiate them clinically. Doctors are urged to remain vigilant and arrange respiratory infection testing for all patients presenting with acute respiratory symptoms.