Mumbai Schools Reopening: Schools To Reopen From 15th December, BMC

Mumbai School Reopening Deferred: As per the media reports, schools in Mumbai for the students of Classes 1 to 7 will now reopen from 15th December, BMC stated. Schools in Maharashtra were scheduled to run in shifts of three to four hours and students from 1st December. BMC also stated that the decision has been taken due to the onslaught of Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Statement

As per reports, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said: “Schools for Classes 1-7 will now reopen from December 15, instead of December 1, in view of the emergence of #Omicron variant of COVID19 in the world.” In a warning on Monday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the new variant poses a "very high" global risk and could have "severe consequences" where there are surges.

Precautionary Measures To Be Taken

Earlier, On 29th November 2021, the guidelines and SOPs for the same were also released and the State School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad asked everyone to follow them. According to the announcement made, schools will be running in shifts of 3 to 4 hours and students will be called to the school in stages.

Maharashtra schools reopening guidelines has also been taken into account this new threat but were still issued as the state has seen a considerable fall in COVID-19 cases and is priding itself in completing the vaccination of at least 1 dose of the eligible population.

COVID-19 Safely Protocols

Schools in Mumbai would continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. In case they were to prepare for calling back students of other classes after BMC's nod, they will also prepare new plans to accommodate more students on campus while following safety protocols.

Guidelines by State Government To Reopen Schools

According to the guidelines it is mandatory for teaching and non-teaching staff members to complete their vaccination doses. Authorities have also been asked to ensure full vaccination of the staff members. Schools have also been allowed to accommodate students in a way that each class has 15 to 20 students at a time and one student is seated on a single bench.

Maharashtra state education minister Varsha Gaikwad had shared a notification and mentioned on Twitter that the department is happy to welcome the students from class 1 onwards back to school on December 1, 2021. She further added that safe resumption of schools is being considered to ensure that all the students have equal access to education amidst the pandemic.

Also Read: Maharashtra School Reopening: Schools to run in Shifts for 3-4 Hours, Check Guidelines Here