Karnataka government gives nod to reopen pre-primary LKG, UKG classes from November 8

With Covid-19 cases under control in the state, the Karnataka government has given the nod to reopen lower kindergarten (LKG) and upper kindergarten (UKG) classes across the state from next Monday (November 8). The pre-primary schools were closed almost for the last one-and-a-half years as a precautionary measure for Covid-19 following the recommendation by the Technical Advisory Committee.

The department of public instruction on Thursday issued a circular permitting pre-primary schools/kindergartens to conduct physical classes from November 8 by following the Standard operating Procedure (SoP). According to the circular issued by the department, the schools are allowed to conduct classes, in the districts and taluks where the Covid-19 positivity rate is less than 2%, during Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm. This applies only for lower kindergarten (LKG) and upper kindergarten (UKG).

The decision has been taken in accordance with the recommendations of the technical advisory committee and the classes will be conducted for half-day. Earlier, the government had allowed Anganwadi centres to open from November 8.

It is mandatory for children to bring consent letters from parents to attend school and also attendance is not compulsory. The school managements have been directed to provide clean, hygienic drinking water and also advised to test all children if any case of Covid-19 is reported.

Also read: India records 12,729 fresh COVID cases, recovery rate stands at 98.23%

The state government’s decision has come as a breather for working parents and many have welcomed it. However, a section of parents is unwilling to send their little ones to schools until they are administered Covid vaccine.

As per the SoP, teachers and staff will have to be fully vaccinated and should compulsorily wear masks. Teachers above the age of 50 years have to use face shields too. However, masks for students are not mandated. Children have to be asked to cover mouths and nose while coughing or sneezing, however experts said children below 5 years need not wear masks. 

In case a student tests positive for Covid-19, all kids should be tested, and the school should be closed temporarily. Reopening should be done based on health workers' instructions. 

With this, all classes will be fully functional in the state for the first time since March 2020. 

• LKG
• UKG classes
• pre-primary schools
• Karnataka