Nagpur: Maharashtra education minister Varsha Gaikwad said the state government has absolutely no plans to reopen schools in the urban areas as of now.
Several schools across the country have reopened.
The decision comes after Gaikwad held a meeting with the state’s task force team to discuss the issue of reopening schools.
She added that the SOPs and school reopening guidelines will be discussed with the higher-level authorities and the chief minister.
“The proposal about reopening of schools will be sent to Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and the final decision will be taken by him,” Gaikwad said.
The decision to not reopen schools comes after there has been speculation about the upcoming third wave of Covid-19.
A rise in Covid-19 cases has been speculated between September 15 and October second week.
Minister of State Bachchu Kadu said the decision to reopen the schools in the state will likely be taken within two days.
It is expected that schools will reopen with 50 per cent capacity and will also continue the online classes.
The task force has recommended that the teaching and non-teaching staff of the schools should be fully vaccinated and there should be proper seating arrangement in classes.
Member of the pediatric task force Dr. Bakul Parekh said that the school staff should also be trained to deal in case of a medical emergency.
He added that schools should divide students into two batches and should be called for physical classes on alternate days and sports activities which require close contact should be avoided.
