Covid-19 Resurgence Fear In Odisha: DEOs Asked To Ensure Strict Protocols In Schools

Bhubaneswar: In view of the fresh spike in number of Covid-19 cases in some states of the country, Odisha School and Mass Education department has directed all District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure strict implementation of safety protocols in schools for the larger interest of students and teaching staff.

In a letter to the DEOs, additional secretary of School and Mass Education Minister Pratap Kumar Mishra asked them to step up sanitation works and other safety measures in schools under their respective jurisdiction.

“Suitable instruction may be issued for implementation of COVID-19 Safety Guidelines/ Protocols maintaining adequate and strict sanitation measures in schools, Higher Secondary Schools and other educational institutions under your administrative control,” the letter read.

The department has also restricted extra-curricular activities in the educational institutes.

Mishra said “You (DEOs) may take appropriate steps to ensure full compliance to Covid-19 safety protocol.”

He further stated that the teachers and concerned authorities should ensure observance safety protocols including wearing of mask, maintaining physical distance, thermal scanning and hand wash or use of sanitizer by the students, teachers, staff and others.

Anyone found violating the government guidelines will be penalised as per provisions of law, he said.