Maharashtra schools may close again if Omicron cases rise: Varsha Gaikwad

Following the precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, Schools in Maharashtra have been running in shifts of three to four hours and students are been called in groups.

Maharashtra School Reopening: The government of Maharashtra announced the reopening of schools from December 1 after being closed for almost one and a half years due to the ongoing pandemic situation. Following the orders, most of the schools in Maharashtra reopened from December 1. From December 15 in schools in Mumbai reopened. However, it is likely that schools in Maharashtra may close again if Omicron cases rise, School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said.

Saying that the government of Maharashtra is monitoring the situation, Gaikwad said to ANI, “If Omicron cases continue to rise, we may take a call to shut the schools again. We are monitoring the situation.”

Following the precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, Schools in Maharashtra have been running in shifts of three to four hours and students are been called in groups.

The government took the decision to reopen schools in Maharashtra after conducting a survey organised by the state’s school education department which revealed that more than 70 per cent of parents want schools to be reopened.

A a precautionary to curb COVID-19 spread, Varsha Gaikwad informed that School authorities have been directed to ensure that only 15 to 20 students are accommodated in a classroom and follow social distancing all the time.

Making attendance non-mandatory, the department directed schools not to pressurize students to attend offline classes. The department also asked schools to continue online classes for students who opt not to attend offline classes amid the ongoing pandemic situation.

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