Covid restriction eased in Punjab, schools to reopen for all classes from Monday

The District Magistrate office, Jalandhar has issued new Covid guidelines for the district and has extended several restrictions till August 10.

On the other hand, following the decline in Covid cases, schools will reopen from August 2. According to the Department of School, Education, schools will remain open for all classesbut must ensure Covid appropriate behaviour.

According to new guidelines, "all schools are permitted to open for all classes for August 2," and "all schools shall follow required protocols to ensure COVID-19-appropriatebehaviour."

The schools are open for classes 10 to 12 from July 26 after remaining shut for about four months. The schools were closed once again in March of this year as the second wave of Covidpandemic commenced and cases begin rising.

Prior to reopening private and government schools to students, the campus must be sanitised. Additionally, all teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as students aged 18 and above,must be vaccinated.

Along with vaccination of staff, the guidelines have made it mandatory for schools to seek the written consent of parents of the students. Meanwhile, the online classes will continuefor students who are not willing to attend the school.

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More guidelines regarding the reopening of schools will be issued soon by the concerning department.

According to the issued guidelines, Commissioner of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar will ensure strict implementation of Covid appropriate behaviour and restrictions,including social distancing, wearing of face masks etc.

According to Punjab's director of education's instructions, each district education officer (DEO) must select a Covid nodal officer.

According to the directive, school heads and DEOs have to maintain a close eye on the Covid situation by conducting random testing of teachers and children on a regular basis. Accordingto the order, everyday samples will be gathered for testing in all reopened schools, and at least one student must be tested for every 100 students that attend classes in person.