Schools in Assam not likely to reopen before September due to COVID-19 pandemic

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The long second wave of the COVID-19 and the possibility of the third wave of infection has dimmed the chances of reopening of schools in the State before September this year. Sources in the State Education Department said they are not thinking about the reopening yet. Since the COVID-19 situation is still fluid, the possibility of school reopening in July, as well as August, is slim.

"The Health Department is worried about the prolonged second wave of Covid infection in the State. Experts have already warned and predicted about the third wave of Covid-19. Under such circumstances the Education department cannot take any decision on reopening of schools," the source said.

The Education Department has asked inspectors of schools in all districts to ensure the continuation of online or digital classes for all students. The government has also decided to install mobile towers in different districts to solve the issue of slow internet connectivity which hampers the smooth conduct of online classes.

On the other hand, the private schools are not taking any risk and decided not to reopen till the Covid-19 situation is completely controlled.

"Students have now adjusted well with online classes. We are conducting all academic and extra-curricular activities digitally. So there is no hurry and necessity of having physical classes till the Covid-19 situation is controlled," a teacher at Don Bosco School, Pan Bazar said.

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