My six-year-old son developed high fever. This was followed by rashes all over his body, but the worst was in his throat. He couldn't even drink water, and it pained me to watch him suffer. I am hearing many painful experiences from doctors even about 6 months old babies as I am visiting clinic for regular follow ups. There is a surge in cases of Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) amongst children in Mumbai, and we should not take it lightly. Sign my petition if you want the government to take precautionary measures immediately.

HFMD is highly contagious. It is currently spreading very fast across children below 10 years of age, but doctors say it can affect adults too. The worst part is that the disease can recur at any time if a person is exposed to a carrier - not withstanding when the person last recovered from it. And the monsoon is only adding to the spread of the infection. Therefore the health department should work towards spreading awareness around this issue by means of social media, TV and radio.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still lurking upon us, it's extremely important to keep our children's immunity intact. The last two years taught us that online schooling is an effective way to break the chain of infections. I strongly recommend that schools in Mumbai go into hybrid mode for at least 4-8 weeks. If you sign my petition then the authorities could listen and our children could stay safe.

I am counting on your support.

We request health and administrative authorities for Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and suburbs to consider few options like:

• The online school  for the suitable period of time so we break this chain (may be at least 4 to 8 weeks period).
• Releasing the guidelines to schools for conducting regular disinfection of classrooms / laboratories / restrooms / common instruments using specified disinfecting agents, to monitor hygiene practices at school e.g. hand wash, and to monitor kids health conditions for HFMD symptoms regularly.
• Spreading social awareness through campaigns or through any suitable means.

We look forward to the prompt decision and actions.