Chandigarh ~ CM Amrinder Singh announced that schools for classes X, XI, and XII in Punjab is all set to open from July 26 with many relaxations and protocols. Also, with an increase in the number of people in indoor gatherings to 150 and outdoors to 300, subject to an upper limit of 50% of the capacity. An undertaking to this effect shall be submitted to the deputy commissioners concerned, he said. If the situation remains under control, remaining classes shall similarly be allowed to open from August 2.
The principal of DAV Pakhowal said that it is a good move by the state government and that teachers, students, and parents are happy as the school was dry without school students, teaching in person was different than online teaching, and the school will send consent forms to parents and advised the students to follow Covid guidelines and protocols for the safeguard from COVID-19. Even the coordinator at Jesus’ Sacred Heart School, Shweta Dhunna said that it was a wise decision because many parents and students were complaining about the online mode of studies and that schools should be open for preprimary and primary students who are facing issues in online studies. She also said that after sending consent forms, the school authorities will make sure that everyone follows protocols and covid-19 guidelines.
There was a decline in Covid positivity rate to 0.3 %, with R number at 0.75 for Punjab (lower than the national average), the CM said schools would be allowed to open for classes X to XII, but only fully vaccinated teachers and staff would be allowed to be physically present. The physical presence of the students shall be purely at the consent of the parents and the option of virtual classes shall be continued. An undertaking to this effect shall be submitted to the deputy commissioners concerned. He also announced that if the situation remains under control, the remaining classes shall similarly be allowed to open from August 2. Capt Amrinder Singh pointed out that Cambridge University has predicted that the cases shall further decline in the coming weeks. He added that artists/ musicians should be allowed at such functions/celebrations in all areas, with adherence due to Covid protocols. During a review meeting of the Covid situation, he said the month-wise whole-genome sequencing has shown that more than 90% was a variant of concern, which meant the original virus had been practically replaced by variants, and the Delta variant remained predominant even in the month of June.
