New Delhi, Sep 29 (FN Bureau) Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal informed on Tuesday that schools for middle classes 6 to 8 can be physically reopened after the festive season. “As suggested by the experts, it was decided to consider opening middle school classes 6-8, after the festive season,” the LG announced. Sources told UNI that schools are likely to be restarted after Diwali. Baijal also said that Delhi Health Department was advised to amplify vaccination coverage by introducing mobile vaccination units. The decisions were taken in the 25th meeting of the Delhi Department Management Authority (DDMA) to review the COVID-19 situation in Delhi which the LG chaired. The meeting was convened with Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Dr VK Paul, member (health), NITI Aayog, Chief Secretary (Delhi), Director-General ICMR Prof Balram Bhargava, AIIMS, New Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria, NCDC Chief Dr SK Singh, senior officials from NDMA and other agencies.
Presently, schools in Delhi are functioning on a blended mode for classes 9 to 12. The schools were reopened physically on September 1 keeping all COVID-19 protocols under consideration like the use of face masks, use of hand sanitisers and maintaining social distancing. The schools have been liberal for the attendance of the students. No student has been forcibly asked to attend the physical class in the state. “After detailed discussion with experts, the need to strictly follow & enforce COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) was emphasized upon especially in wake of the upcoming festive season to prevent any resurgence of infection.”
“It was suggested that community engagement and support to this effect should be ensured by way of an IEC campaign particularly in the vernacular languages.” “The Health Department was advised to ensure adequate availability of beds, medicines, oxygen etc to tackle any emergent situation and to enhance the pace and coverage of vaccination by way of greater outreach through Mobile Vaccination units,” the LG added.