Board of Secondary Education, Odisha
In a significant step towards the normalization of education amidst the ongoing pandemic, the government of Odisha has announced the reopening of schools starting tomorrow, with morning classes scheduled in seven districts. The decision comes after careful consideration of the current COVID-19 situation and the successful implementation of precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The seven districts where morning classes will resume include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, Balasore, Angul, and Khordha. These districts have shown promising progress in terms of controlling the spread of the virus and maintaining a favourable environment for educational activities. The remaining districts will continue with remote learning until further evaluation.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, the government has issued comprehensive guidelines that schools must strictly adhere to. These guidelines include maintaining physical distancing, frequent sanitization of classrooms and common areas, compulsory mask-wearing, and regular health check-ups for students and staff. The schools have also been instructed to limit the number of students per classroom to maintain adequate distancing. Parents and guardians have been urged to cooperate with the school authorities and follow the prescribed protocols for the safety of their children. Transportation arrangements have also been made to facilitate the students' commute to schools, with strict adherence to social distancing norms and sanitization protocols in buses and vans.
The decision to reopen schools in a phased manner reflects the government's commitment to the holistic development of students and the recognition of the importance of in-person education. It is believed that the resumption of morning classes will not only facilitate the learning process but also contribute to the overall well-being and social development of students.
The government will closely monitor the situation in the seven districts and assess the implementation of safety measures before considering further expansion of in-person classes. As the situation evolves, the government remains committed to providing quality education while prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff.