Covid-19 Surge: Decision On Closure Of Schools, Lockdown After Review, Says Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: The sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in several States including Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh has put the administrative officials in Odisha on ‘alert mode.’

Special instructions have been issued by several district Collectors to strictly enforce COVID-19 guidelines. The School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash on Sunday said that even as the COVID-19 situation is under control in Odisha, the people should not display any laxity in observing the protocols.

On asked whether the government will order for closure of schools, the Minister said, “Though the COVID-19 situation is under control, we may consider for the closure of schools and lockdown will be imposed if there any situation arises.”

Also Read: Covid-19 Surge: Will Lockdown Return In Odisha?

According to Dash, the schools for Class 9 to 11 students have reopened to facilitate them to prepare well for the upcoming Board examinations. The classes are being conducted with strict enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines and other SOP issued by the Health Department and State government.

The Minister has further stated that no decision has been taken yet on the reopening of schools for class 1 to 8 in the State.

“At present, all the SOP and guidelines including wearing of masks and social distancing norms are being followed in schools. The State has been successful in contain the COVID-19 outbreak so far. The State government is alert and observing closely monitoring the Covid situation in other States. The School and Mass Education Department is alert and we will take appropriate decision after reviewing all things,” Dash added.

Earlier on Saturday, the Odisha government cautioned people to follow the pandemic protocol strictly in order to avoid the possible return of lockdown situation in the State.

CBK Mohanty, Director DMET yesterday said that, “We can’t rule out the likelihood of a re-imposition of lockdown if people don’t take the necessary precautions to keep the virus at bay.”

(Edited By Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)