Only fully vaccinated teachers permitted to teach
The Karnataka government, in an official order, has permitted the reopening of in-person classes for students between standards I and V after an 18 month long Covid-prompted closure of educational institutions from October 25, 2021.
The decision comes a day after the Covid-19 technical advisory committee constituted by the state government held a review meeting in Bengaluru. The committee proposed a number of relaxations in the view of reducing numbers of Covid-19 infections and a decline in the positivity rate.
In the order, P Ravi Kumar, chairman of the State Executive Committee has stated that schools can conduct classes, but with strict adherence to all the SOPs mandated under the previously issued Covid-19 guidelines issued by the department of primary and secondary education.
“There shall be screening for Covid-19 on entry, 50% capacity in a classroom, provision of hand sanitisers, a physical distancing of one-metre minimum as practically feasible, no crowing, particularly at entry and exit,” the order reads.
The order also specifies that schools must ensure complete sanitization and disinfection using 1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution. Only those teachers and staff who are completely vaccinated will be allowed to teach class I to V students.
Since March 2020, the government had resorted to the distribution of provisions (food grains, pulses, oil etc) as mid-day meals could not be provided at school. In a circular issued on October 16, 2021, the department of public instruction has called for resuming mid-day meals from October 21 after schools ensure complete sanitization of kitchens where the food is prepared.
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