As Maharashtra prepares to make a decision on reopening schools in the coming days, the Covid-19 task force on children has stressed the importance of vaccinating teachers and non-teaching staff, among other things. Maharashtra’s state minister for school education, Bachchu Kadu, said on Thursday that the decision to reopen schools would be made in the next two days. A meeting will be held in the coming days, according to Kadu. “Schools have begun in other parts of the country, and the state should follow suit. However, given that Maharashtra has the second-highest number of active cases after Kerala, the decision will have to be carefully considered.” Kadu
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit Maharashtra in March 2020, physical education classes were cancelled in schools. On July 12, schools in rural areas were allowed to resume physical education classes for students in grades 8 through 12, but only in areas where Covid-19 cases are rare.
The pediatric task force has discussed the plan with the state school education department officials to reopen schools in the state and wants to ensure schools are fully prepared and physical classes will not lead to a spike in Covid-19 cases.“We also want the schools to be reopened but with certain precautions as we are concerned about their health. Children are definitely suffering from mental health issues and nutrition and thus schools should be reopened but in a safe environment,” Dr Bakul Parekh, a member of the pediatric task force, said.
The Maharashtra government formed a paediatric task force in May to prevent children from contracting Covid-19, amid fears of a third wave of the pandemic.
The task force has recommended that teaching and non-teaching staff of schools should be vaccinated and there must be proper seating arrangements in classes and one bench should be reserved for one student only. “If possible, schools with online teaching infrastructure can simultaneously hold physical as well as online classes. Students can attend (in-person) classes by rotation,” Parekh said.
Classes must be sanitised and there must be a monitoring system in place in all schools. The school staff should also be trained to deal in case of a medical emergency, Parekh added.
