Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Sep 13: “Schools in the district should be reopened observing Covid protocol and the concerned officials should make sure that the children are not put to hardship,” said deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra K V.

He was speaking after presiding over a meeting over reopening schools in the district held at the deputy commissioner’s office on September 13. He asked to resume physical classes for 8th, 9th and 10th standard on September 17 and those for 6th and 7th standards on September 20. He also asked to start first PU classes together with them.

“About 99% of school teachers and staff are vaccinated in the district. Covid tests should be increased. As many as 261 students in the district are under Covid treatment. Suitable treatment should be provided if Covid symptoms are found among children. Their primary contacts should also be identified for immediate treatment. The concerned officials should act,” he said.

“Students should compulsorily wear masks after reopening of schools. Teachers should ensure that social distance is maintained. Children should not be insisted on payment of fees. Heads of the schools should provide toilet facilities and other basic needs.

“Online classes should be continued simultaneously. The consent of parents should be compulsorily obtained for children’s physical attendance in schools.

“Covid tests of teachers and school staff should be conducted from time to time. The schools should watch the health of the families of students to make sure that they do not have Covid symptoms.

“Students arriving from Kerala should be made to stay at hostels. Online classes should be conducted for them otherwise,” he said.

Additional deputy commissioner N Manikya, deputy director of public instruction Malleswamy, district health and family welfare officer Dr Kishore, PU education department deputy director Jayanna, private school association heads, district block education officer and other department officials were present.