TOO RISKY TO REOPEN SCHOOLS AS COVID-19 THREAT PERSISTS, FEEL CITY’S PARENTS AND EDUCATIONISTS

Opening of schools remains uncertain in Chandigarh during the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19, with the majority of parents and teachers in favour of extending the break. Srishti Jaswal speaks to some of the stakeholders.

› I don’t think anyone is going to use school buses now. I don’t know what our future holds, but one fears for one’s safety. BALJINDER SINGH, 55, school bus driver with Shishu Niketan School, Chandigarh

› Students and parents need to be counselled and next steps vis-à-vis exams and promotion to next class mapped out. ATUL KHANNA, 52, director, Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh

› If schools open, select batches should come in for three alternate days a week to ensure social distancing. Primary classes should be delayed. RAJWANT RAI, 45, scientist

› For physical and emotional well-being of a child, it’s important that schools be reopened with certain conditions. MONICA SHARMA, 54, principal, SD Public School, Chandigarh

› Children will not be able to manage social distancing in schools. Schools should remain closed till at least June. DEEPAK GROVER, 41, employee in a private company, parent

› How will teachers monitor so many students regularly through the school hours? Online education is the future. SAUMYA SUMAN RAWAT, 36, homemaker, parent

› Schools should not reopen till zero cases are reported in and around Chandigarh. Our priority should be students’ safety. KAVITA BANSAL , 44, self-employed, parent

› Children from all over, including the red zones, study together in schools and this would mean increased risk. GEETA VADHERA, 55, teacher, St John’s High School, Chandigarh