Mumbai: All schools for classes 1 to 12 are set to reopen in Maharashtra barring Pune from Monday as the COVID situation improves in the city. Schools were shut last month after a spike in COVID-19 cases across the state due to the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aditya Thackeray on Sunday said that parents should make their own decisions and send their children to schools only if they feel it is safe to do.
“Even though we are re-opening schools from tomorrow, it is not compulsory for students to come to school. Parents are free to make their own decisions in this regard and should send their children to school only if they feel it is safe,” the Shiv Sena leader said.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Sunday that the decision was taken after complete thought was given to the issue. Tope said the reopening of schools was necessary for the brain development of children and it was not right to keep them at home for long.
The reopening of schools was a risk or middle path the state government decided upon to stop the spread of the virus as well as ensure children do not suffer, he said.
“We have given a lot of flexibility and also stressed that following COVID-19 norms is a must,” the minister said, adding that parents must send their wards to school.
