Colleges in Kerala to Reopen in Phases From October 4

Even though Kerala has been actively contributing to India’s total Covid-19 cases for the last few months, the state government on Tuesday decided to withdraw certain Covid-19  restrictions imposed. The government has decided to lift night curfew, Sunday lockdown and reopen colleges in Kerala in a phased manner. 

The decision came in after a review meeting for monitoring the existing Covid-19 situation in the state. Kerala reported 25,772 cases on Tuesday with the positivity rate slightly coming down to 15.87%. 

As per reports, only polytechnic colleges providing medical and technical courses will be resuming from October 4. These colleges are open for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students, teaching staff as well as non-teaching staff are required to have at least taken one dose of the vaccine to enter the institution. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Discussions are on about reopening of schools and the government is planning it in a phased manner. A total reopening of educational institutions will need more discussion,” he said. However, he further indicated that classes for grades 10th and 12th might resume next.  “The academic session for classes X and XII are very important. Necessary directives have been given to complete the vaccination for teachers this week itself. The education department will take the necessary steps,” he added. 

He also expressed his favour towards the Kerala High Court ruling regarding the gap in two doses of Covishield. The ruling suggested that the second jab of Covishield can be given four weeks after the first one for those who want it earlier.  “The state is ready to implement it but the Centre has to take a decision. The Chief Secretary and Health Secretary will hold discussions with the Union Health Ministry on this,” he remarked. 

While he expressed relief at a slightly better positivity rate, he asked people to be cautious of the Delta variant. He said, “…but there is a threat from the Delta variant and we cannot be complacent. There are still chances of people getting infected and hence everyone should be more vigilant.”

Along with colleges in Kerala, educational institutions in several other states have also opened up in a phased manner. Schools for senior classes have reopened in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, etc. The central universities are also planning to open up their campuses for students in a phased manner.