Govt says only ‘fully vaccinated’ staff to take offline classes

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 17

Reports of many students testing Covid positive have come to light from government schools in various districts of Punjab, including Ludhiana. Following this, the state government has reportedly issued directions that only fully vaccinated teachers can take physical classes.

The order has left the teachers and staff members, who have not received the second dose, confused as to whether they are eligible to take classes or not. Teachers at government schools maintain that there should be clarity on the issue as up to 50-60 per cent staff are only half vaccinated (just one dose).

A teacher at Government School, Kot Mangalsingh, here said no clear instructions had been issued in this regard, so there was utter confusion among teachers.

“The government has asked us to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, which says that only vaccinated persons can take classes. However, teachers are still getting themselves vaccinated. Many of us are due for second dose after a month or so. We are coming to schools, teaching the students but there should be clarity on this from the state government,” the teacher said.

Devinder Singh Chinna, media coordinator, said schools were awaiting clear instructions on the issue but till then, it was mandatory for all to follow guidelines and attend schools. “Even one dose provides the much needed protection. All teachers are expected to come to schools and take classes while clear instructions may follow anytime soon,” he said.