Schools in Odisha set to reopen from tomorrow, preparations underway

The schools in Odisha are set to reopen from tomorrow, January 8, as per the directives of the state government, and the schools are currently making preparations to reopen with proper social distancing and all the required Covid-19 safety norms.

The schools in Odisha are set to reopen after being shut down for nine months due to the pandemic situation and at the Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School, arrangements are being made to ensure social distancing and other protocol.

“All COVID-19 guidelines are being followed including thermal checks at the entrance and sanitisation of desks. We have prepared new timetables and holding meetings with staff members and parents to make everyone aware as to what needs to be done,” Principal Sandhaya Jena told ANI.

The principal also states that classes have been divided, masks and sanitisers are made mandatory to reduce the risk of infection in schools. She further added that seating arrangements had been made to ensure



social distancing.

The principal of the schools further said, “The school canteen will not be functional and recess will be done in a staggered manner. Students will have to carry their own food and water. Teachers have been deputed to make sure that students don’t huddle.”

The government of Odisha had also announced earlier in the day that weekly health check-ups will be conducted in educational institutions across the state in light of the re-opening of schools and colleges amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the directives issued by the state government, the schools for 10th and 12th will reopen from January 8 while colleges and universities for final year students will reopen from January 11.

Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra on Tuesday asked the health and family welfare department to conduct frequent health check-ups in educational institutions and hostels as a preventive against any possible large breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic.