Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday announced phased opening of high schools for Classes 11 & 12 from July 26 onwards as the Covid-19 pandemic continued its declining trend in the state.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that there would be 50% occupancy in classes with students attending high schools in two batches on alternate days.
“Initially, schools will run for four days a week and gradually hold classes on six days a week,” the chief minister said, adding that depending on the response of students and the people on ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour, classes 9 & 10 too would be started.
“If all goes well (considering the projected third wave of the pandemic) till August 15, then we will gradually resume other classes in schools,” Chouhan said.
He said colleges will also reopen with a 50% capacity in a phased manner.
“If people continue to adhere to the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, the government will start the process of reopening classes 9 and 10, then classes 6 to 8, and finally primary classes,” he said.
Chouhan said the state government has been preparing the strategy about reopening the schools while closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic.
He said the Covid-19 situation in Madhya Pradesh was under control and the state government is preparing to brace for a possible third wave.
Chouhan said the number of Covid-19 cases has come down to around 20 per day and active cases in the state settled at around 250.
“Students are getting frustrated due to the closure of educational institutions and they now need to attend physical classes rather than virtual ones. School operators are also facing problems. Considering this situation, the decision to start the process to reopen schools has been taken,” he said.
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