Breaking: AP govt to shut educational institutions from tomorrow over COVID19 impact

Amaravati: Government of AP has decided to close all educational institutions with immediate effect to strengthen ongoing measures to prevent and contain COVID19. The high-level meeting headed by chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has taken this decision on Wednesday. After that, Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney also held a video conference with all the Districts Collectors and other senior officials.

Though the cautious decision of the state government is being welcomed in the public interest, the TDP leaders questioned why did the Chief Minister oppose when the same decision was taken with the same spirit by the State Election Commission while postponing the Local Body elections.

All educational, training, coaching institutions including schools, colleges, universities shall be closed with immediate effect up to March 31, announced KS Jawahar Reddy, Special Chief Secretary, Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department in a GO RT No 202 on Wednesday, after the Chief Minister directed.

All hostels and boarding facilities for students, trainees should be evacuated immediately and arrangements should be made for sending students to their respective homes under due precautions, he directed. Students are advised to stay at home. Wherever possible institutions should make provision for online classes for continuity purposes, the government gave relaxation in this regard.

At the same time, there is no relaxation for the ongoing exams including SSC and Intermediate. Jawahar Reddy stated that "wherever exams are going on, the same should be conducted as per schedule and students should be sent home immediately post completion of schedule".

Physical distancing of 1 meter should be maintained between students in ongoing examinations. Students who are suffering from fever, cold and cough should be made to write examinations in separate rooms.

Private sector organizations or employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.

Meetings, as far as feasible, shall be done through video conferences.Minimize or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary.

Restaurants to ensure handwashing protocol and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. Ensure physical distancing (minimum one metre) between tables; encourage open air seating where practical with adequate distancing,

While allowing the already planned weddings to a limited gathering, the government asked the people to postpone all non-essential social and cultural gatherings. Local authorities will have a dialogue with organizers of sporting events and competitions involving large gatherings and they may be advised to postpone such events.

The government further directed that, "All commercial activities must keep a distance of one meter between customers. Measures to reduce peak hour crowding in markets. Non-essential travel should be avoided. Buses, Trains and aeroplanes to maximize social distancing in public transport besides ensuring regular and proper disinfection of surfaces. Hospitals should follow necessary protocol related with COVID-l9 management as prescribed and restrict family/friends/children visiting patients in hospitals. Hygiene and physical distancing has to be maintained. Shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting to be avoided".