Schools to Reopen in Pune From Monday

Schools and junior colleges to resume in Pune from November 23, after a gap of almost 8 months.

Highlights on Schools to Reopen in Pune From Monday:

Mumbai: Schools and junior colleges in Pune are set to resume from November 23, 2020, after a gap of over eight months. However, it is important to note that only class 9 and 10 along with 11 & 12 of junior colleges will reopen. The decision to resume schools has been left to local authorities who can decide based on the COVID 19 situation. Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has asked the local COVID situation to be considered before taking any decision.

The schools and junior colleges have been issued guidelines for the safety of students and teachers. All teaching and non-teaching staff will have to undergo COVID test. Only one student will be allowed to seat on each bench. Besides, the standard guidelines of wearing masks, maintain social distance, frequent sanitisation, etc. will have to be followed. Therma checks will have to be conducted by schools and junior colleges.

 The written consent of the parent will be mandatory for allowing the students to attend the in-person classes. Some schools are expected to only conduct practicals in the college and continue the curriculum via online classes. Educational institutes are also expected to discuss the changing situation with all stakeholders before making any decisions.

It is important to note that schools that reopened in several states had to be closed again as teachers and students were found Corona positive. Pune was among the worst effect cities in the state until a few months back. Several experts have shared a possibility of post-festival spike and advised people to be cautious.

According to a statement by Pune district collector Rajesh Deshmukh, only 3,000 of 18,000 teachers of class 9 to 12 have undergone COVID test. Parents should note that school buses are unlikely to resume their services from Monday.

Schools and colleges that were to reopen in Mumbai from November 23 have now been asked to remain shut until December 31, 2020.

Hemal V