Assam: Children in the state are back to school after two years. Here are updates from the first day

As per the SOP issued, if multiple COVID cases are detected in school — the educational institution will be closed for seven days
Image for representational purpose only | Pic: File Photo
Image for representational purpose only | Pic: File Photo

Children in Assam attended school for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck nearly two years ago while adhering to strict health protocols and other guidelines. Schools have resumed for Class 1 and above, six months after it had briefly reopened in April this year only to be closed again as the second wave of the pandemic hit. Online classes will continue for those opting to stay at home, as per the new Standard Operating Procedures issued by the state government.

School authorities said attendance was low, particularly in the lower primary section. Premises of educational premises have been thoroughly sanitised and all COVID-appropriate behaviour is being followed, including wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing, they added. According to the new SOPs, lectures for Class 1 to Class 8 will be held on alternate days of the week, while from Class 9 onwards, lectures will be on a daily basis. A maximum number of 30 students is allowed per section of a class. Parents are also required to give written consent for their wards to attend physical classes, as per the SOPs. Meetings and cultural functions are disallowed inside school premises, it said.

Physical classes for final-year students of higher secondary, degree, post-graduation as well as technical courses have already resumed from September 6, while those for Class 10 restarted from September 20. The decision to reopen the educational institutions was taken in view of the improving COVID-19 situation in the state, with the deputy commissioner of a district reserving the right to declare these closed if the positivity rate breaches the 2 per cent mark on a particular day.

In case of detection of any COVID-19 positive case in a school, the local government authority has to be informed, and classes may resume only after testing all students and staff, according to the new SOPs. If multiple positive cases are detected, the educational institution will be closed for seven days, the notification said. At least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine is compulsory for all teaching and non-teaching staff, while both doses are mandatory for boarders and staff of hostels and residential schools, barring students of the final year under the age of 18 years, it added.

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