Covid Rules Lax At Some Recently Reopened Tamil Nadu Schools, Colleges

Days after reopening of physical classes, some teachers and students in Tamil Nadu have already tested positive for Covid.

At many of Tamil Nadu's educational institutes, which reopened partially or fully last week after months, the government's Covid protocol seems to be only loosely observed. Merely days since physical classes began to be held again, some students and teachers have already tested positive for the disease. The state government allowed schools (Classes 9 to 12), colleges, and polytechnic institutes, shut since March this year, to reopen from September 1. While 95 per cent of the teachers and staff across the state have been inoculated, concerns remain about students. To minimise the spread of infection, a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued for the holding of physical classes. These include each offline session being held with only 50 per cent students at any point, observing social distancing in the classroom, and a bar on forcing children to attend school in person. College hostels may be opened only if needed. Crowding must be avoided in their dining halls, too.