COVID-19: Assam students return to schools after 7 long months, response mixed so far

Guwahati: Amid heightened safety measures necessitated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Assam finally reopened after a period of 7 long months. During these 7 months, the students were taught via online learning methods.

Earlier, the Assam Government had issued a fresh set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)s for the reopening of educational institutions from November 2. The schools, colleges, and institutions will be sanitized before resuming from Monday. Moreover, wearing of masks and social distancing is to be made mandatory to minimize the risks of COVID transmissions.

The sanitization programme will be conducted under the aegis of All Guwahati Students’ Union and the first school to be sanitized was the renowned Cotton Collegiate Higher Secondary School.

Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma releases Assam’s COVID-19 numbers vs New Delhi’s; Check details

Meanwhile, the response to the reopening of schools has been mixed so far, with most guardians still reluctant to send their children to schools due to fear of the COVID-19.

"Today, students from Classes 6, 7, 8 have returned to the schools. However, the attendance is very low. Only 7-8 students have attended per class. However, the higher classes are going on as usual and the attendance is good," said Arupa Patgiri, the Principal of Ulubari Higher Secondary School.

P.S. Reddy, founder of Sai Vikas, says that the response has been 'lukewarm.' "Only about 50% of the students are back in the schools and the classes are going on. For the students who do not wish to attend in person, the option of online classes is always there."

In Guwahati's Faculty School, attendance is said to be "good" and in some of the classes, it is above 50%. "The response is good and enthusiastic," a teacher told us.

It needs mention here that only students from Classes 6th to 12th will be allowed to attend the classes under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.