Schools To Reopen In Kerala After 18 Months From November 1; Here Are Full Details

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday told the Assembly that arrangements are being made to ensure smooth functioning of all schools in the state

Schools to reopen in Kerala from November 1. (Representative Image)

Chennai: After 18 months Kerala has decided to reopen the schools on Novemeber 1. Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday told the Assembly that arrangements are being made to ensure smooth functioning of all schools in the state.

On Wednesday, Sivankutty took to Twitter about the government's strategies to prevent the spread of Covid in students after reopening of schools on November 1. "In the first phase, classes will be held only in the morning. Students in each class will be divided into batches to have a control on the number students in a class (not mandatory for schools with low enrolment). Students with disabilities need not attend this initial phase," he explained on Twitter.

"All teachers and staff will be fully vaccinated. A school level-helpline will be set up. Meetings of school staff councils, PTAs, people's representatives, well wishers and other preparation meetings at the district and sub-district panchayat levels will be held prior to the reopening of schools," he further said.

He said that arrangements are being made to ensure that noon meals will be served as one cannot afford to leave children hungry. "Food will be prepared and distributed, according to Covid protocols in the schools. Adequate supply of soaps, and sanitisers will be available in the schools. besides in every school, there will be a doctor posted for duty.

"It has also been decided to see that there are only two children seated on a bench, and that Saturdays will also be a working day. All schools will be sanitised before they open," Sivankutty added.

Meanwhile, Kerala on Wednesday reported 12,616 fresh COVID-19 cases and 134 deaths, taking the infection caseload to 47,51,434 and fatalities to 25,811, informed the state health Ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)