Odisha Schools Reopening: Government issues revised guidelines amid new cases of COVID-19

With the emerging cases of COVID-19 in hostels, the Odisha government is worried about its further spread. 

Odisha Schools Reopening: While schools in Odisha are open Classes 9 to 12 following proper COVID-19 protocols. Several reports on emerging novel coronavirus cases are creating an alert situation in the state. These cases have emerged in hostels and now the government is worried about the further spread of the virus. Making sure of the health and safety of students and staff members Odisha government has issued revised guidelines to follow. After conducting an analysis, it came under notice that reopening of hostels resulted in some new cases of the novel coronavirus and hence a review meeting was held to analyse the situation. In the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the government decided that some new guidelines will be introduced to make sure no new cases are reported.

In a letter to the District Education Officers, it was stated, "As per the feedback received from the field, till date the schools are running smoothly except stray cases of COVID-19 positive cases in few areas mostly in hostels."

The revised guidelines include that offline classes are not mandatory. However, wearing a mask and using sanitizer is mandatory for students attending offline classes. No student will be allowed to enter the school with a mask.  Thermal screening at the entry point is a must. The Expenditure incurred by schools for COVID-19 Management must be met out of School Improvement Grant, released from OSEPA.  

No student with even mild symptoms such as sneezing, cold or fever will be allowed in the school. The BRCCS/CRCCs have been tagged with schools for the periodical visit and ensure that everyone is following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.  Both online and offline classes would continue and attendance on campus is not mandatory. Odisha Schools and their Administration must note that anyone found not following these instructions, will be penalised. The OSEPA Control Room set up at Headquarters will be constantly monitoring everything. 

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