Schools throw Covid norms to wind

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, February 21

The School Education Department has observed that teachers and students in many schools have not been adhering to the Covid guidelines laid by the government. Department officials say during inspection in various schools, both teachers and students can be seen without masks with little regard for social distancing.

In a recent letter to all district education officers (DEOs), the secretary, School Education Department, wrote about gross negligence on part of school authorities. He said masks, in many schools, were a mere formality.

"Adhering to the Covid guidelines in all private and government schools is mandatory and every school needs to enforce it in letter and spirit," said the secretary.

He has asked the DEOs to ensure that every school has one teacher working as a nodal officer and every class has a monitor for the strict implementation of the Covid guidelines. “Besides students, teachers and other staff, it is mandatory for school heads to wear the face mask,” said the secretary.

He has directed the DEOs to hold regular inspection to ensure schools complied with the Covid norms. They have been asked to ensure strict enforcement of guidelines to prevent further spread of Covid-19.