The educational institutions including schools, colleges, universities and coaching centres will reopen in Rajasthan from January 18, after a gap of over nine months since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made this announcement after holding a review meeting on the COVID-19 situation in the state with officials on Tuesday.
As per Chief Minister's Office (CMO) release, classes from 9 to 12 in schools, last year classes of university and college, coaching centres and government training institutes have been directed to be opened from January 18, keeping in view the falling COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan.
Gehlot said that due to the process of COVID-19 vaccination, medical college, dental college, nursing college and paramedical college have also been instructed to open from January 11.
He instructed that 50% attendance of the total capacity in each class will be on the first day, the remaining 50% will be on the second day in all these educational institutions.
The chief minister said social distancing and other health protocols, including using face masks, should be taken care of in all institutions.
Gehlot was reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the state through a video conference.
He said the cases of new strain of COVID-19 in the country and the state are of concern. "Any kind of negligence towards it can create a big crisis. In view of this, special attention should be kept on travellers coming to the state from other countries, including those affected by this virus," the chief minister said.
He said that due to the new virus strain, a terrible situation has risen in England and lockdown had to be imposed again. "Taking lessons from the UK, precaution should be taken in Rajasthan," Gehlot said.
Gehlot asserted that the state of coronavirus in Rajasthan is "well controlled with excellent management and cooperation of the people." He said that the recovery rate has risen to an all-time high of 96.31%.
Gehlot directed the officials to ensure that preparations for vaccination in the state is completed in a mission mode. "The entire database of health workers should be uploaded as soon as possible for vaccination," the chief minister said.
(With agency inputs)
