New Delhi (NVI): The state of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim reopened schools from today, after remaining shut for over six months due to the coronavirus induced lockdown.
The schools which are outside containment zones are allowed to reopen from October 19 for students of class 9 to 12, as per the Unlock 5 guidelines.
However, the schools in these three states will open following strict COVID-19 protocol including limited attendance in the classes to 50 per cent per day to maintain social distancing.
According to government’s order schools in Uttar Pradesh will reopen partially only for students of class 9 to 12, the students will be allowed to go to school with parental consent.
All classes will be held in shifts and necessary protocols including social distancing and proper sanitisation of school premises will have to be followed. Also, 50 per cent of the students should be called in every class on one day and the remaining on next day. However, no student would be forced to come to school.
In Sikkim, the government has decided to reopen all schools in a graded manner. The classes will be held six days a week, with Saturday being a half day. All notified government holidays, however, will be in place.
Similarly, in Punjab, schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 will reopen in the areas outside containment zones in the state. Schools will open for three hours a day and only students of Classes 9 to 12 will be allowed entry to take physical classes.
However, the online learning classes shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and attendance of all students will not be mandatory.
-RJV
