COVID-19: Schools in Assam likely to shut down post-Bihu holidays

GUWAHATI: The Assam government is considering closing schools after the Bihu holidays, particularly in the lower and upper primary grades, to prevent the situation from worsening.

Several students from private schools in Guwahati had tested positive for COVID-19 in the span of two days.

More than 20 students have tested positive in four private schools in the last 48 hours.

Sanskriti-The Gurukul, Don Bosco, Happy Child School, and Sarala Birla Gyanjyoti, Amingaon are among the schools where students have tested positive.

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Top education officials briefed education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the seriousness of the situation, and a decision is expected to be made soon after Bihu in the interest of the children's protection, especially those in primary school.

According to reports, school closures are being considered in order to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control and to reduce the rate of infection.

Reports also suggest that an SOP would be issued vis-à-vis online classes and other relevant issues once the government decides to discontinue the classes.

Furthermore, most schools have announced the Bihu holidays beginning today.

While some schools have scheduled Friday classes, many others have announced the Bihu holidays until April 20.

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Many private hospitals state that they are unable to provide vaccinations.

Meanwhile, fear has gripped the public after several private hospitals in Guwahati announced that they would be unable to provide their scheduled second dose of vaccination due to a shortage of vaccines.

The current situation is attributed to a government shortage of vaccines, according to private hospitals.

Almost all private hospitals are out of stock, and there is no word on when supplies will resume, reports said.

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