Itanagar: Even as the hilly state continues to see ‘high’ Covid19 positivity rate daily for the last fortnight, the Arunachal Pradesh Government on Sunday directed resumption of offline classes in schools from class VI and above from Tuesday next following all Covid protocols.
“All physical classes till class V may remain suspended till 14th February 2022. Physical classes and boarding in hostels only for class VI and above with 50% of class strength may be allowed, following all Covid protocols and ensuring all 15 yrs and above attending classes have received their scheduled Covid-19 vaccination,” said the Govt ‘order’, which, however. extended the ongoing Covid restrictions till February 14.
“The recommendation of State Health Task Force (SHTF), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, conveyed vide their letter No. Secy (Health)-SOP-11/202 Dated the 27th January 2022 shall be implemented across the state till 14.02.2022,” the order from the Chief Secretary said.
The state government’s latest decision to restart offline classes came a couple of days after the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association, Arunachal Pradesh unit, made a fervent appeal to the government that it allow re-opening of schools for offline classes from February 1, while claiming that the syllabus was not covered yet.
The government had earlier shut all government and private schools in the state from January 12 to 31 due to the rapid rise in Covid19 positive cases. It, however, allowed conduct of online classes. Regarding the institutions of higher learning, the government said, Universities/colleges and higher technical institutions will regulate the timing of their classes with 50 percent capacity in well-ventilated rooms following CAB (Covid appropriate behaviour) and physical distancing norms.
Earlier on January 27, the State Health Task Force (SHTF), with Principal Secretary (H&FW) Sharat Chauhan in the Chair, had a review meeting on the Covid19 pandemic situation and the State’s preparedness and response.
“After detailed discussions of the Covid19 situation in the state, and taking note of the rising Covid19 cases and positivity rate in the past two weeks, but with lower rates of hospitalisation (observed to be less than 2 percent of the active cases) compared to previous waves of the infection, it was decided to recommend the extension of the restriction measures of the SDMA order dated 11th Jan, 2022 with few modifications for another fortnight i.e. till 14th Feb, 2022,” the SHTF has said.
Among others, the SHTF recommended entry into the state through the inter-state check gates may be allowed ‘only’ for those who have completed vaccination.
