J&K higher educational institutions prepping to resume offline classes

Considering the novel coronavirus situation and analyzing total weekly new cases (per million), total positivity rate, bed occupancy, case fatality rate and vaccination coverage of the targeted population, Mehta, the chairperson of the State Executive Committee (SEC) closure of educational institutions until further orders. 

J&K School Reopening: The higher education institutions of Jammu and Kashmir were all set to resume offline classes after receiving permission from the state administration on August 29. However, the J&K administration kept one condition stating that all staff members and students must be fully vaccinated. The decision was taken after over four months of closure owing to the second wave of COVID-19. The administration, however, extended the closure of schools and coaching centres until further orders. Chief Secretary A K Mehta took the decision during a meeting. A decision on dispensing mandatory testing for COVID-19 has also been taken at the entry point to the Union Territory at Lakhanpur for those who have received both dosages of vaccine and allow entry of vaccinated persons into public parks.

Considering the declining cases of the novel coronavirus and analyzing total weekly new cases (per million), total positivity rate, bed occupancy, case fatality rate and vaccination coverage of the targeted population, Mehta, the chairperson of the State Executive Committee (SEC) stated that schools and coaching centres would continue to remain closed for onsite or in-person teaching till further orders.

“However, the higher educational institutions can be permitted to commence with limited in-person teaching subject to 100 per cent vaccination of staff and students and specific permission of concerned deputy commissioners,” the order said.

It said such institutions can organise special vaccination camps in consultation with the district administration. “Other educational institutions can allow attendance of vaccinated staff for administrative purposes,” Mr Mehta said.

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