Maharashtra to reopen schools for classes 8 and above from Oct 4

The paediatrician Covid-19 task force of the state, earlier on Tuesday, asked school administrations and teachers to undertake vaccination of teachers and non-teaching staff on war-footing ahead of reopening of schools.

Maharashtra education minister Varsha Gaikwad on Friday announced that the state will reopen schools for students above classes 8 starting October 4. The education minister also said that a detailed SOP will be sent to teachers and school administrators across the state as the nation continues to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

A detailed SOP will be sent to teachers and school administrators across Maharashtra as the nation continues to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. (HT File)

Maharashtra earlier on Thursday reported 3,320 fresh Covid-19 cases and 61 deaths. The state currently has 39,191 active cases. The state has recorded 6.53 million cases so far and lodged 138,725 deaths.

The paediatrician Covid-19 task force of the state, earlier on Tuesday, asked school administrations and teachers to undertake vaccination of teachers and non-teaching staff on war-footing ahead of reopening of schools. This task force was formed in May to ensure that children are not affected massively if a possible third wave of Covid-19 hits the state.

“Primarily, teachers and non-teaching staff in schools should get the vaccine first. This would enhance their immunity and make schools safer for children,” Dr Bakul Parekh, a senior Mumbai paediatrician and a member of the task force told PTI earlier. He also said that the task force will likely recommend that only one student should be allowed to sit on a bench and classes should be planned accordingly. Suggestions have been made to simultaneously hold physical as well as online classes and physical attendance should be made in a rotational manner.