Maharashtra reopens schools today, Pune to keep schools shut due to rising Covid cases
The BMC"s assessment indicated that the cases of Omicron are not on the rise, and it had said that the curve was flattening
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Mumbai, January 24: Maharashtra will reopen schools today, January 24th, for Classes 1-9th for offline classroom sessions. Schools in the state were closed in first week of January due to a spike in Covid-19 cases and in the wake of the rising cases of Omicron variant.
But, in cities like Pune and Aurangabad, schools are to remain shut, while classes continue in online mode due to the current Covid situation.
He also informed that 90% of eligible beneficiaries in state have taken first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, while second dose coverage is in the 62-63% range.
Varsha Gaikwad, the Maharashtra Minister, said, "Our SOPs are very strict and clear. We have given four days of advance notice to the management of schools to undertake vaccination and sanitisation and for preparation of time-table. The timing and other necessary decisions will be taken by the local authorities, such as district collector or municipal commissioner based on the local situations."
Schools in areas where coronavirus cases are fewer can restart physical classes for Std 1st-12th and also start pre-primary classes from January 24 onwards. We are committed to safe resumption of schools in the state. #BackToSchool @MahaDGIPR pic.twitter.com/MesX5SNl5L
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) January 20, 2022
In Mumbai, local civic body announced the closure of schools for Classes 1-9 till January 31. However, the BMC's assessment indicated that the cases of Omicron are not on the rise, and it had said that the curve was flattening. It prompted the officials to propose reopening of schools for physical attendance.
But, in cities like Pune and Aurangabad, schools are to remain shut, while classes continue in online mode due to the current Covid situation.
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Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra Health Minister said that while Covid-19 cases have increased over the past few days, 90-95% oxygen and ICU beds are vacant. He added that restrictions would be eased if the rate of hospitalisation remains low.
He also informed that 90% of eligible beneficiaries in state have taken first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, while second dose coverage is in the 62-63% range.