Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Health experts and educationists in Odisha are not in favour of reopening schools across the country. The Union government is likely to issue an advisory soon for the resumption of offline classes in schools across the country in compliance with Covid-19 guidelines.
According to the reports, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has asked the National Expert Group to suggest ways on reopening the schools nationwide and work on the modalities. Covid-19 has affected children of all age groups. However, the mortality rate and severity of disease in children are negligible. Most of the parents believe that it is high time children return to school.
As per reports, the Centre wants to reopen schools in a staggered manner after the Covid vaccination drive was opened up for children aged 15-17 amid the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant. However, it will be up to states to decide whether they are ready to open schools or not.
However, many health experts in Odisha feel that the time has not come yet for the reopening of schools in the State. Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra said “The rate of infection in Odisha has not come down yet. The Omicron variant is highly contagious and the rate of infection can rise anytime. Considering the current situation in the State, we have to take steps accordingly. I don’t think the time has come yet for reopening of schools in Odisha.”
