Schools can reopen for Classes 7 and 8 from November 25: Goa Govt

To analyze the COVID-19 situation in the state, a meeting of the task force, chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was also conducted before giving a go-ahead for school reopening.

Goa Schools Reopening: The government of Goa has announced its decision to reopen schools for Classes 7 and 8. Following the government’s order, the schools will commence offline classes from November 25, 2021. Reports suggest that the government will be releasing detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) soon. Earlier, on November 16, the Goa task force on COVID-19 had recommended commencing offline classes for students of Classes 1 to 8 from November 22 following COVID-19 safety protocols.

To analyze the COVID-19 situation in the state, a meeting of the task force, chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was also conducted before giving a go-ahead for school reopening. While the task force has recommended the reopening of schools for offline classes, the state government will take a final call after considering logistic issues. The state has also commenced in-person teaching sessions for students of Classes 9 to 12.

Reports suggest that the CM has asked for details of schools that have more than 1,000 students. Schools would be required to present a plan to manage such a large number of students amid reopening. Strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols including wearing masks, using sanitizers and following social distancing would be a must.

The decision to reopen schools in the state has been taken considering that the COVID-19 positivity rate in Goa has consistently remained below 1 percent. Students and staff are less likely to get infected if the schools adhere to the COVID-19 protocol strictly. There are chances that attendance would not be kept mandatory for students and parental consent would be required to attend offline classes.

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