BHUBANESWAR: Reopening of schools may not happen anytime soon owing to the possibility of a third wave of Covid-19 that may affect children more.
Schools in the state have been shut since March 16 last year due to rise in Covid-19 cases barring those from classes IX to XII between January and April this year, before the second wave brought that to an end.
School and mass education minister Samir Ranjan Dash said health of students is paramount for the state government and they are reviewing the situation at regular intervals.
“We cannot compromise with the health of students.
That’s why the government will closely monitor the situation and chief minister Naveen Patnaik will take a call on school reopening at the right time,” Dash said.
He said there was a possibility of discussing reopening of schools with falling Covid cases, but the prediction of a third wave forced them to wait.
“We are closely watching the situation,” Dash said.
Jahan Ara Begum, former president of the board of secondary education, said the number of Covid cases is still over 6,000 per day and lockdown is in force across the state.
“Besides, the third wave prediction has compelled us to think about the safety of students.
I don’t think schools will reopen anytime soon,” Begum said.