Classes 8-12 can restart in urban areas from August 17, panel to take a call in Mumbai

MUMBAI: The state government on Tuesday issued a GR, saying classes 8 to 12 in schools in urban areas that have been Covid-free for a month can start from August 17.Now, a four-member committee, including the municipal commissioner/collector, and the ward, health and education officers, in Mumbai, Thane and other civic areas will decide on reopening schools. Parental consent will be mandatory for students to attend physical classes.The higher classes have been allowed in Covid-free rural areas since July 15, but have met with poor response. Around 35% of schools in rural areas had opened, but they have only 10% students attending. Online education began on June 15.The GR also allowed rural schools to reopen classes 5 to 7. There is a growing demand in these areas to open primary schools too.The order comes even as the state Covid task force has advised against rushing with reopening schools in view of fears that a possible third wave could target children. State school education minister Varsha Gaikwad said schools are starting in a phased manner. “The physical education of class 10 and 12 students should not suffer. Students’ health is a priority and all Covid protocols have to be in place before reopening,” said Gaikwad.The standard operating procedures for schools include one student per bench, alternate days of school, physical classes for important subjects and vaccination of teachers.Schools in Mumbai have remained shut since the March 2020 lockdown. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Thane, Palghar and Raigad schools had opened in November last year and January 2021. All schools were shut in April after the second wave.In MMR, 24 schools in rural Thane and 108 schools in rural Palghar reopened in July. Only 0.31% students in Thane and 2% in Palghar are attending classes. In the urban pockets of these districts, the four-member committee will take a decision on reopening schools.The state’s decision to further reopen schools is based on the Indian Council of Medical Research’s fourth sero-survey which showed antibodies prevalent in children aged 6 to 9 was 52%. Also, its research shows 81% parents willing to send children to schools.However, most parents TOI spoke to didn’t seem keen on physical classes yet. “Students should be vaccinated with at least one dose before they go to physical classrooms. Online classes have been streamlined and there is no need for an in-person appearance till Covid is around,” said Ameya Gosawi, whose son is a class X student.MLC Kapil Patil, who represents the teacher’s constituency, said the reopening is impractical with the third wave looming.