When Schools Shutter Due to Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping schools closed due to the coronavirus is a challenging decision that carries numerous uncertainties. Even as the current year comes to a close, no concrete decisions have been made regarding indefinite school closures. The determination of whether to shut schools down is influenced by several critical factors, such as building herd immunity, speedily implementing vaccination programs, dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic, and other unforeseen events.

Why Schools Must Stay Closed

Although closing schools indefinitely is a wise precaution, there have been recommendations from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development and the Health Ministry to gradually reopen schools in phases. After conducting surveys, it was revealed that parents were generally not in favor of sending their children back to school. However, state governments argued that the period of complete lockdown had caused significant harm to economically disadvantaged students. Consequently, the Union Government decided to reopen schools in phases, implementing various measures to ensure safety and continuity of education.

School Reopening Plan

The detailed reopening plan included several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. For instance, classes of students in grades 10 and 12 were allowed to attend lectures for the first 15 days. Different sections of the class were assigned specific days to attend school, reducing the daily number of hours from 5-6 to 2-3. Schools were run in two shifts with a compulsory 1-hour break between them, allowing for thorough sanitization.

First to Reopen

Among government schools in Shimla, only a few reopened towards the latter part of the year, with a very low turnout of students. Private schools in Shimla generally remained closed, with the exception of Ivy International School. After extensive discussions with parents, Ivy School decided to reopen, appreciating the school's precautionary measures and the adequacy of its infrastructure. Ivy International School became the first institution in Shimla to reopen for board classes, thanks to the approval given by parents and the state government.

Preventive Measures and Decisions

Before Ivy International School could implement its reopening plan, the state government issued a notification to close all schools until December 31, 2020. This decision was based on ongoing case numbers and the opinions of school management and parents. While the closure decision was made, it underscored the importance of balancing safety with the needs of students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Conclusion

The decision to keep schools closed due to the coronavirus is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. While it is a safety measure, it also affects education and student development. The phased reopening plan and the decision-making process reflect the careful consideration of various factors by the government. As the pandemic evolves, it is crucial to adapt these measures to ensure both the safety and the continuity of education.