Unlock 5: Govt Schools In Punjab To Reopen From Oct 19, State Govt Also Orders Resumption Of OPD Services

Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh has signed an order allowing government schools to reopen from October 19. Read on.

Photo/PTI

Chandigarh: Government schools in Punjab will be able to reopen from October 19 as the state government has granted permission for the same on Thursday.  Additionally, the resumption of normal outpatient department (OPD) services and elective surgeries have also been ordered. "Punjab CM Amarinder Singh ordered the resumption of normal OPD service and elective surgeries, with extensive precautions in place. CM has also allowed the opening of government schools from October 19, after due sanitation procedures with clear SOPs mandating parents' consent,": CMO, Punjab informed. As per the new guidelines issued by the Centre, state/UT governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision for the re-opening of schools and coaching institutions. Many states including Delhi and Maharashtra are still concerned about the reopening of schools as it can lead to an immediate acceleration in Coronavirus cases. It may be noted that the MHA in its fresh set of guidelines had mentioned that Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works have been permitted to open from October 15. WATCH | Special Bulletin For Differently-Abled People (15.10.2020)