After fresh guidelines were released by the center regarding the reopening of schools and colleges under ‘Unlock 6.0’, many states are considering the decision to do the same. During a media interview, Karnataka Education Minister Mr. S. Suresh Kumar mentioned that the state would only decide upon the prospect of reopening the schools after a thorough discussion with state health officials, medical experts, and department officials. Kumar said that these people would be able to give the best advice as they are working closely with the patients and therefore are aware of the state’s real-time situation.
COVID-19 Cases Spiked After Reopening of Schools in Many States
Many states decided to reopen schools, colleges, and other educational institutions under ‘Unlock 6.0’ with special Standard Operative Protocols or SOPs. The campus ensured all the safety measures for the students and the staff; despite all these, there was a sudden spike in the COVID-19 positive cases. States like Andhra Pradesh were one of the first states to report such adverse effects, wherein almost 60% of the staff tested positive after the reopening of the schools.
Not behind are states like Uttarakhand and Punjab, who have already resumed classes for the senior sections since November 2020. The junior sections will follow soon. Tripura state government also resumed classes in October for students from classes 9 to 12 with 50% attendance of teachers and implementing the COVID-19 related Standard Operating Procedures.
Online Classes for the Rest
As for the junior sections, the schools are maintaining the flow of education via online classes. Schools have been shut in India since March 2020 after a pandemic hit the nation. It has been over eight months, and the environment is still not conducive enough for conducting regular classes. Many states have decided to cut down the syllabus, keeping in mind the well-being of the students. Although the situation is getting worse day by day, all one can do is hope for a better future.
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