THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Schools in the state will reopen on November 1. A decision in this regard was taken during the Covid review meeting chaired by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Saturday.
The review meeting decided to open all primary classes (from Class I to VII) and Class X and XII from November 1. From November 15, all classes will start functioning regularly. The CM has directed health and education departments to take all steps necessary for the reopening of schools.
Health experts have suggested opening primary classes first. The children who have low immunity should avoid coming to school in the initial phase. A discussion will be held on how transporting facilities should be arranged for students, the chief minister said in a statement.
The health and education departments have been directed to chart out a detailed guideline for the reopening of schools. This should include safety measures that have to be taken in each school and also preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid.
From October 18, classes in colleges across the state will start as students in this age group would have completed the first dose of vaccination.
The review meeting did not take any call on the opening of restaurants, bars and theatres. However, it decided that lockdown will be imposed only in wards that have more than 10% weekly infection population ratio (WIPR).
Special drive to vaccinate those above 65
Since vaccination coverage has reached 90% in the state, the government decided to end antigen testing in both government and private laboratories.
Now, antigen tests will be done only in emergencies and a medical officer's prescription would be mandatory.
A special drive will be organised to track people above 65 years of age who have not been vaccinated till now in a bid to prevent a spike in death rate.
