The reopening of schools after the summer vacation is likely to be delayed in the district in the wake of the Nipah outbreak. Education Department authorities said an official announcement would be made by the government in a couple of days as cases of infections have been reported from other districts as well.
The earlier announcement of the Education Department to reopen schools on June 1 was not likely to be implemented as school managements and heads of various local bodies have already communicated their concerns. The heads of various local bodies, where people succumbed to the Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode district, are among those who have sought an extension of the vacation. The parent-teacher organisations in various schools have also requested the government to postpone the reopening of schools. They said parents in rural areas want to avoid all possible circumstances whereby children could contract the disease.
Deputy Director of Education E.K. Sureshkumar said the Education Department would take all precautions to ensure the safety of children. Cleaning of wells on school premises was in progress, he said, and added that all teachers were part of the ongoing awareness sessions and action plans to prevent the spread of infections.
Based on the District Collector’s instructions, no special classes will be held in the district till May 31.
