Schools in Assam To Remain Closed: On Monday, the Assam Government directed the closure of schools for the students of classes 6 to 8 in districts where the number of active COVID-19 cases has crossed the 100 marks. Earlier, the government ordered the lower primary (LP) schools up to class 5 will be closed in districts where the active cases have crossed the one hundred mark. Schools in such districts will remain shut till 8th May.
In a press conference from the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said districts excluding Chirang, Biswanath, Baska, Majuli, Dima Hasao, Charaideo, Hailakandi, South Salmara, and West Karbi Anglong have already crossed the 100 mark and schools in the remaining districts will be completely closed.
Statement of the Minister
Himanta Biswa, Assam minister wrote on Twitter, “DCs of districts, where active covid-19 cases cross hundred on a particular they have been authorized to suspend physical classroom assembly of students of class 6 to 8 in private and Public Schools. Online classes to be made available.”
According to the official notice released by the Assam government, “In view of the present scenario of a covid-19 pandemic, the government in education department hereby authorizes the deputy commissioner of districts were active covid cases have crossed the hundred mark on a particular day to close down classes from class six to eight in educational institutions for government and non-government till 8 May 2021 however online classes have to be made available for the concerned students.”
The Assam Government had already issued COVID-19 guidelines according to which all educational institutions in the state including schools, colleges, and universities, as per the guidelines, must provide quality virtual education. Physical classes for the students of class 6 and above will be allowed with 50 percent attendance and schools have been directed to stagger the class timings so that crowds do not form at the entrance and exit gates. In Guwahati, if the number of active cases touches 1,000, the Kamrup Metro district administration can decide on closing down educational institutions and hostels, the minister had earlier said.