Maharashtra schools to reopen from August 17 onwards. The state government has issued SOPs to be followed by schools and students regarding reopening.The state government will reopen the schools in areas where coronavirus cases are under control and they can restart the physical classes. The standard operating procedures have been released by the government for physical classes.
Physical classes for std 5th to 7th will be allowed in rural areas from August 17, an official release said. Physical classes for std 8th to 12th are already being held in most rural areas. Classes for std 8th to 12th can resume in urban areas, the statement said.
According to NDtv Sources Notably, the state task force on COVID-19 pandemic has advised against reopening schools offline. Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of the task force, had said on Monday that there was evidence that schools and religious places were becoming `super spreaders’ of the viral infection.
The final decision on whether to permit physical classes will be taken by a committee headed by the respective municipal commissioner in urban areas and district collector in rural areas. Other members of the committee will be the ward officer, medical officer and the education officer.
Priority should be given to the teaching of core subjects, and if a student tests positive for the infection, the school should be closed and sanitized, the statement said.
