Maharashtra schools to reopen for Classes 9-12 from Nov 23 with all necessary Covid-19 precautions

Amid Covid-19, the Maharashtra government has decided to reopen schools for classes 9 to 12 from November 23, said the education minister Varsha Gaikwad. Gaikwad announced at a video conference held by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The schools for classes 9 to 12 should reopen after Diwali, keeping in mind all the Covid-19 safety protocols. The second wave of coronavirus pandemic is possible looking at the situation elsewhere in the world. Therefore, the administration should be careful, the chief minister said.

"We need to be extra cautious after Diwali. Quarantine centers in schools cannot be shut. The local administration can decide on alternative places for classrooms.



Sanitization of schools, coronavirus tests for teachers, and other precautions are a must," the Chief Minister said, as reported by PTI.

Students who are sick, or have a sick family member must not be sent to schools, the CM further added. Gaikwad said all teachers will undergo RT-PCR coronavirus tests between November 17 and 22.

"Schools will reopen on November 23, and students will undergo thermal checking at entry," she said, as reported by PTI.

Only one student will be seated per bench, the minister said. Further, classes will be held on alternate days, and Science, Maths, and English will be taught while other subjects will be taught online, Gaikwad said.