Students appearing for Class 10 and 12 board examination will now be allowed to carry masks and hand sanitiser in the exam centre in view of the Coronavirus scare, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Wednesday. "Face masks and sanitisers may be carried by students in the examination centre," CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi said in an official statement on their website.

"CBSE is receiving several inquiries from students and parents in view of the ongoing issue related to Coronavirus, with regards to permitting face masks and sanitizers at examination centres. In view of the inquiries received it is clarified that face mask and sanitizers may be carried by students, if they so desire, in the examination centres," the Board said in a statement.

CBSE made the anouncement in the wake of the increased number of Coronavirus cases in the country namely in Delhi, Hyderabad and other parts of the country. There have been 28 confirmed cases in the country until Wednesday, out of which the three in Kerala were cured. Along with the students, the board has also allowed its staff members to use masks and sanitisers to curb the spread of the virus during the examinations. Class 10 and 12 board examinations began on February 15.

In a notification dated March 4, the Ministry of Human Resource Management has asked all schools across the country under the state board and the CBSE Board to take measures to spread awareness about the virus and its consequences. The MHRD has also asked schools to ensure that students know and follow basic preventive measures and hygiene to counter the spread of the virus.  Preventive interventions including frequent washing of hands, respiratory etiquettes (covering nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing), staying away from public places and avoiding public gathering were also included in the notification, in order to create awareness among the youth. The notification was issued by MHRD Secretary Amit Khare.