Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Around 34 students from two high schools in Dhenkanal and Bargarh districts have tested positive for COVID-19 where 14 are students, five teachers and a peon of Panchayati Raj High School at Kanapujr in Kamakhyanagar block.
According to the reports, the district administration closed the school for seven days and sent the infected back home. The local administration had conducted an RT-PCR test of 197 hostel inmates, teachers and staff on August 31 and 147 on September 1.
Besides, 20 students of a high school in Bargarh districts have also tested positive. School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash informed that his department has received the reports. They are in touch with the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs) of these two districts and will take the necessary steps after an inquiry.
Further, the minister clarified that as yet, no decision has been taken on reopening of classes I to VIII.
