Schools may be shut again if Covid situation worsens: UP deputy CM

The Uttar Pradesh government, which has decided to reopen schools for physical classes, said schools will be shut again if the Covid situation worsens. The schools for students 9 to 12 opened from August 16 in the state, while for classes 6 to 8, offline classes started from August 23 and schools for classes 1 to 5 will reopen from September 01. “In basic education, attendance is not compulsory. We have also not made attendance mandatory for classes from 9 to 12. Guardians, teachers and political organisations have also said offline education should be started even if it is for a shorter period. In UP, the present atmosphere is sufficiently secure but if there is any indication of any concern (regarding Covid), we can also close schools,” Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said while replying to a question in the state legislative council.