Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s decision to resume classroom teaching in schools from later part of this month has put both students and guardians in quandary due to fear of Covid-19 infection as inoculation drive against the virus is yet to cover school goers.
Students seem to have eventually landed in state of perplexity following the government announcement as the Covid vaccination for the under 18 age group is yet to be launched. Guardians, however, termed the move as a hasty decision as teachers and other supporting staff are yet to be completely vaccinated.
“We are of course excited as schools are reopening after a long gap, but the matter of concern is that vaccination for those below under 18 has not yet been rolled out. So, we will have to remain extra cautious and take strict precaution if we attend the physical classes,” said, Miloni Mishra, a class 10 student.
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Debashree Sahoo, a guardian opined that schools should be reopened only after inoculating teachers and students with double doses of Covid vaccine.
“Many teachers and staff are yet to receive their final dose. Moreover, inoculation for the students is yet to be introduced. I think the reopening of schools after complete vaccination would have been better,” Sahoo added.
Meanwhile, the government has initiated the process to ensure stern enforcement of the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) issued by the School and Mass Education department for the schools.
“The government has issued detailed SoPs for the safety of students. All nodal officers have visited districts and are taking steps to ensure that SoPs are properly followed,” School and Mass Education Minister, Sameer Ranjan Dash said.