Coronavirus: Schools to reopen in some states with masks and distancing measures

Schools are all set to open in some states with physical distancing and masks and other precautions in place. States include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Nagaland and Madhya Pradesh. Students living in containment zones will not be permitted. Only partial reopening of schools will take place in these states with online education continuing as it has for the last many months.

As per a report by PTI, use of sanitisers, social distancing will be compulsory for them as some students rejoin school. The Central government had allowed States to choose and decide for themselves on the issue. While most essential services have been opened up across the country, schools have remained closed as parents, teachers and students worry.

Not Opening: Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have announced that they will not allow classes to resume from Monday.

Opening: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Nagaland and Madhya Pradesh.

Currently the reopening of schools has been left to states to decide. Government has laid down some rules regarding attendance. Only 50% of the total strength would be permitted and that too with masks, use of sanitisers and complete social distancing.

When SheThePeople reached out to Anita, a mother of a 6 year old studying in a Haryana private school, she said," I will not be sending my child to school even if they plan to open. So far the school authorities have not indicated any plans to stop online education and open the physical schools." She added,"Until the vaccine is in place, it seems unlikely, that any parent will want to risk their child getting COVID by attending physical schools."

The Central Government had allowed the partial reopening of schools in the fourth phase of the Unlock process. It had noted that students of Classes 9 and 12 may return to school on a voluntary basis and if the schools chose to open. The government also made it clear that it is not mandatory for educational institutions to resume schools from Monday, 21st September.

Despite this option to open schools, many states have chosen not to. These include Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand among others. Punjab is choosing to open some courses and institute for senior PhD students and those taking up professional courses.

Just recently a picture went viral of a school where children were put in plastic bags in order to ensure social distancing. No parents wants their children to have to go through this. Take a look at the picture below.

Students Sit in Plastic Tents in Iran to Maintain Social Distancing