Arunachal Govt orders resumption of offline classes for class VI and above from Feb 1

Itanagar, Jan 31: Even if the State continues to see 'high' Covid-19 positivity rate daily for the last fortnight, the Arunachal Pradesh Government today directed resumption of offline classes in schools from class VI and above from Tuesday next following all Covid protocols.

Today's positivity rate was recorded at 23.45 percent with 129 fresh cases being detected out of 550 samples tested for Covid-19.

"All physical classes till class V may remain suspended till 14th February 2022. Physical classes and boarding in hostels only for class VI and above with 50% of class strength may be allowed, following all Covid protocols and ensuring all 15 yrs and above attending classes have received their scheduled Covid-19 vaccination," said the Govt 'order', dated 30 January 2022, which however extended the ongoing Covid restrictions till February 14 next.

"The recommendation of State Health Task Force (SHTF), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, conveyed vide their letter No. Secy (Health)-SOP-11/202 Dated the 27th January 2022 shall be implemented across the state till 14.02.2022," the order from the Chief Secretary said.

The State government's latest decision to restart offline classes came in a couple of days after the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association, Arunachal Pradesh unit made a fervent appeal to the government to allow re-opening of schools for offline classes from February 1, while claiming that the syllabus was not covered yet.

The government had earlier ordered to shut all government and private schools in the State from January 12 to 31 due to rapid rise in Covid 19 positive cases. It, however, allowed the conduction of online classes.

Regarding the institutions of higher learning, the government today said, Universities/colleges and higher technical institutions will regulate the timing of their classes with 50% capacity in well ventilated rooms following CAB (Covid appropriate behaviour) and physical distancing norms.

Earlier on January 27, the State Health Task Force (SHTF), with Principal Secretary (H&FW) Dr Sharat Chauhan in the Chair, had a review meeting on Covid-19 pandemic situation and the State's preparedness and response.

"After detailed discussions of the COVID-19 situation in the State, and taking note of the rising COVID-19 cases and positivity rate in the past two weeks but with lower rates of hospitalization (observed to be less than 2% of the active cases) compared to previous waves of the infection, it was decided to recommend the extension of the restriction measures of the SDMA order dated 11th Jan, 2022 with few modifications for another fortnight i.e. till 14th Feb, 2022," the SHTF has said.

Among others, the SHTF recommended entry into the state through the inter-state check gates may be allowed 'only' for those who have completed vaccination.