Bengaluru: As the report on new COVID-19 strain created panic, many speculated about the reopening of schools in January, as announced earlier. Clarifying the matter, Karnataka Education Minister S Suresh Kumar said that schools would reopen on January as decided earlier.
Discussions with experts on the mutation of COVID variant were going on. Nature of the virus is yet to be ascertained. As Union Minister Harshavardhan said there is no need to worry too much, rather be cautious. On a daily basis, we seek opinion from experts and we follow their directions, said Kumar.
The High Court also suggested school opening in districts where COVID-19 cases are less. SSLC, Secondary PUC classes will start from January 1.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa stated that COVID-19 impact in the state would be assessed within two or three days and would decide on reopening of schools.
Reports said that students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms would not be allowed to attend classes. Attending classes for students from Class 6 to 9 is not mandatory. A maximum of 20 students would be permitted in a class and only half-day class would be allowed. Mid-day meal provision would not be there but food kits would be supplied at students' homes.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has imposed night curfew till January 2 as a precautionary measure against the new strain of COVID-19. Normal life would continue from 6 am to 10 pm.
