Team Herald
PANJIM: The schools for students of Class I to XII are all set to reopen in physical mode from February 21, Monday.
The decision is taken considering a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases in the State.
Education Director Bhushan Savaikar in a circular issued on Thursday has said that as the COVID cases are reducing day by day in the State, it is decided by the competent authority to re-open all educational institutions from Class I to Class XII from February 21, following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the State government had on January 4 announced closer of academic institutions in the State till January 26, which was later extended till February 15, except for the conduct of examinations. However, teachers were asked to attend school to conduct online classes during this period.
The order issued by Revenue Secretary on January 23, extending the ban period, lapsed on Tuesday.
The government had in November, last year, resumed classes from Class VII to XII. The Directorate of Education has asked schools to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laid down by the Union Ministry of Education with regards to reopening of schools for offline classes.
As against earlier mandatory norm of parents consent, the Ministry has given liberty to States to decide at their level whether the schools has to take parents consent to allow their child to attend offline classes.
Social gathering and events are permitted to be held in the schools following proper SOP of social distancing and wearing of mask.
Schools are directed to take special precautions with regards to children with co-morbidities.
As per the SOP, the schools have to ensure and monitor proper cleaning and sanitation facilities.
Social distancing has to be maintained in the staff rooms, office area, assembly hall, and other common areas.
Meanwhile, the Goa Headmaster Association has welcomed the decision of the government and has appealed to all schools to ensure safety of the children.
“It is a very good decision. Children have missed their school, classes, friends for nearly two years now. It is the responsibility now of every school to take necessary precautions,” Association President Mariano Valdares said.
