Uttarakhand College Reopening Postponed due to increase in COVID-19 cases, Likely to Reopen in December

Uttarakhand College Reopening News:  As per the latest update, the Uttarakhand State Government has decided to postpone its decision to reopen colleges and universities in the state for the time-being due to the rising number of COVID cases. Official announcement has hinted that colleges in the state might reopen in December 2020 now. The postponement in the reopening date for Uttarakhand Colleges was announced by State Cabinet Minister Madan Kaushik on Wednesday. In a statement issued to media persons, Mr Kaushik said that “after a long discussion in the cabinet, it has been decided that the colleges will "probably" reopen in December.”

80 School Teachers Test Positive

The decision to reopen colleges was pushed back by the state government amid rising concerns among the students and parents about their safety and well-being amid the pandemic. Earlier in the month, the state government decided to reopen schools in the state for higher classes in line with Unlock guidelines of the Home Ministry. However, soon thereafter, 80 teachers tested positive for COVID-19, an official said on 6^th November in five blocks of Pauri District in Garhwal Division. Following this, 84 schools in the district were closed down by the administration.

Following the increase in the number of COVID cases among teachers, the State Health Secretary Amit Negi had instructed the District Magistrates of all the 13 districts of the state to get the COVID-19 tests done for the teachers posted in schools, adding that the Education Department has also issued standard operating procedures (SoP) in this regard. Mr Negi also appealed to the people of the state to follow COVID guidelines as a surge in coronavirus cases is likely during the winter season.