Dispur disagrees with ICMR's suggestion to reopen schools amidst COVID-19

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has refused to accept the suggestion of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on reopening primary schools arguing that the State cannot afford to take any risk till the COVID-19 positivity rate dips below 2 per cent in all districts.

Director-General of ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava, recently gave his nod to the reopening of primary schools, saying children can handle the infection better. He said children can handle viral infection much better than adults and it has also been established that they have a lower number of ace receptors to which virus attaches.

"The State Health Department is not convinced with the ICMR chief's views. The second wave of COVID-19 is yet to be over. There are several districts in the State where the positivity rate is between 4 per cent to 6 per cent. Curfew continues in all districts. Apart from this, the State is apprehending the third wave of infection. Under such circumstances reopening of schools is simply not possible," an official in the Health department said.

The ICMR's chief Bhargava stressed that for such a step (reopening of schools) to be considered, it must be ensured that school teachers and other support staff members are vaccinated. "Many teachers particularly in rural and semi-urban areas in the State are yet to be fully vaccinated," the official said.

The Assam State Primary Teachers' Association (ASPTA) general secretary, Ratul Chandra Goswami, said that if feasible, the State Government should start opening primary schools in consultation with the ICMR and the Centre. He said the current online classes have posed a big hurdle for students from underprivileged backgrounds as they are not able to afford the necessary infrastructure.

Also Read: Reopening of schools hinges upon COVID-19 in Assam

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