Decision on reopening schools after getting suggestions from parents: Minister

“The Chief Minister will take a final call after holding discussions with the School Education and Health departments,” he told the media after inaugurating the distribution of Pongal gift hamper scheme in Gobichettipalayam in Erode. The Minister added that Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs) were asked to hold meetings regarding school reopening by this weekend. The government had announced reopening schools on November 16, but deferred it after parents and political parties opposed it fearing the spread of the pandemic. “Practical examinations for classes 10 to 12 will be conducted and its schedule will be released soon. Online classes will not be conducted for students during Pongal holidays,” Sengottaiyan said. Meanwhile, the State government brought out a draft SOP in case the government announces the reopening of schools based on the feedback. Besides maintaining social distancing inside classrooms, students, teachers and other staff should wear face masks compulsorily inside and outside the school premises.

Students who have co-morbid conditions would be advised not to attend school and instead prefer online mode, it said, adding that Health Department would keep mobile medical teams at block levels for quick response to the need in the schools.

Schools would organise regular check-ups for students and teachers, and hand sanitisers would be provided by the Health Department to all government schools, it added.