CHANDIGARH: Schools in Punjab are reopening from today after going through almost 10 months’ closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vijay Inder Singla, Education Minister of Punjab, said that schools are to be reopened only for students from classes 5 to 12, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Singla clarified that the decision has been taken after receiving persistent demands of parents to reopen all schools – government, semi-government and private ones, in the state.
It has been decided that school head or management is authorized to decide whether to hold classes in two shifts or call the students on alternate days in case the strength of students is found to make it difficult to maintain social distancing norms. Singla added that staff and students residing in containment zones will not be allowed to come to schools. According to the officials, students who wish to continue online classes can do so and attendance in any school will not be compulsory. The government has asked school administration to strictly follow guidelines, standard operating procedures, and advisories issued by the state health department and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.