Amid the threat of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, the reopening of schools in Mumbai for grades 1-7 has been postponed to December 15, highlighted reports.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) made a statement that schools for classes 1-7 in Mumbai will now reopen from December 15, instead of December 1, stated reports. This is considering the emergence of the new variant, Omicron of COVID-19 globally.
Last week the state cabinet have the go-ahead of resuming physical classes for grades 1-7 in urban areas and 1-4 in rural areas. Moreover, the Maharashtra government had issued the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the reopening of schools. The final decision, however, to reopen schools lies with the municipal commissioner.
Additionally, an account by the Free Press Journal, claimed that the mayor of Pune stated that schools for grades 1-7 will not reopen in the city on the proposed day of December 1. Moreover, the Nashik Municipal Commissioner has also stayed the decision until December 10, considering the threat of the new variant.
Based on narratives, Raju Tadvi, education officer, BMC elucidated on how the civic authority was undertaking a cautious approach when it came to the reopening of schools for grades 1-7. Tadvi mentioned that the WHO has designated Omicron as a variant of concern and the BMCs health department is on high alert.
Tadvi added that there are 12 countries listed "at-risk" and since Mumbai witnesses a high footfall of international travellers the authorities have decided to postpone the reopening of schools by 15 days.”
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