Classes 9 to 12 of schools in Maharashtra will reopen from November 23. (Representation)
Bombay:
Classes 9 to 12 in schools in Maharashtra will reopen from November 23, School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said on Saturday.
Ms Gaikwad made the announcement during a video conference hosted by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Classes 9 to 12 are expected to reopen after Diwali with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place, he said.
A second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was possible, looking at the situation elsewhere in the world, so the administration must be careful, the chief minister warned.
“We have to be very careful after Diwali. Quarantine
centers in schools cannot be closed. The local government can make decisions about alternative places for classrooms. Disinfection of schools, coronavirus tests for teachers and other precautions are essential, ”said the chief minister.
Sick students or those who have a sick family member at home should not be sent to schools, Thackeray added.
Mr Gaikwad said all teachers will undergo RT-PCR coronavirus testing between November 17 and 22. “Schools will reopen on November 23 and students will undergo thermal screening on entry,” she said.
Only one student will be seated per bench, the minister said.
In addition, classes will be held every alternate day and science, math and English will be taught while other subjects will be taught online, Gaikwad said.
