Punjab government has decided to reopen schools and coaching institutions in a graded manner after October 15, subject to some conditions such as online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching.
Apart from this, students of only classes 9 to 12 are permitted to attend schools/institutions with parental consent of each pupil and without making attendance compulsory.
A spokesperson said that schools which are being allowed to open will have to follow the SOPs issued by Education Department in consultation with the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department.
“Higher education institutions are also permitted to open from October 15 only for research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students in science and technology streams requiring laboratories/experimental works,” he said.
Swimming pools to open for sportspersons
The spokesperson said that swimming pools for sportspersons will be allowed to open in Punjab after October 15 as per the SOPs to be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S), Government of India.
Social functions to permit more than 100 persons
Furthermore, social/academic/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious/political functions including weddings and funerals and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside containment zones only. Such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons will be permitted outside containment zones from October 15. They will be subject to certain conditions, like in closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity is allowed with the ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash/sanitizer shall be mandatory.
