Decision To Reopen Schools In Odisha May Change: DMET

The Odisha government's decision to reopen schools for standard 1 to 5 students from next month may be revoked in view of the rising cases of Covid-19 and Omicron fear, informed the Director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET). 

The DMET Director Rama Raman Mohanty said that the State has witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases in the last 7 to 8 days. "The decision to reopen schools might have taken earlier when the cases were not much and Omicron fear was also not there," he said.

By taking into account the present situation, the decision to reopen schools might be changed, said Mohanty adding, "The government will take an appropriate decision at the right time."

The DMET further said speculations are rife that the third wave may hit in February. "We have to remain alert. Around 55000 to 60000 tests are being done daily. A target has also been set to achieve 70000 tests a day," he added.

The State School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Dash on Tuesday informed about the government's decision to reopen classes for primary school students from standard 1 to 5 from January 3, 2022.

Dash said as per the directions of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik the government has decided to resume physical mode of teaching in about 27,000 schools in the State.

The Minister also informed that classes for 1 to 5 will be held between 9 am and 12 noon and all Covid-19 norms will be strictly followed during the resumption of the primary classes.

The government also released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed strictly during the resumption of the physical mode of teaching in primary schools.