Karnataka schools for class 6 to 8 to reopen on February 22

Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to reopen schools across the state for students of class 6 to 8 on February 22. However, schools in Bengaluru Urban and Kerala borders will only be open for 8th standard students.

The Department of Public Instructions announced this decision on Tuesday after holding a meeting with the state Covid-19 technical advisory committee.

Considering that several nursing students who returned from Kerala have tested positive for Covid-19, the Department has decided not to open classes below 8 in both Bengaluru Urban and districts bordering Kerala.

However, the Department will have another round of meeting with the technical advisory committee on February 24 or 25 to discuss reopening of schools for class 1 to 5.

Speaking to reporters, State Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar said, "We will wait for the health department survey on the students returned from Kerala tested positive for Covid-19 before taking any decision further."

However, it is compulsory for students returning from Kerala or bordering districts to submit Covid-19 negative report to attend schools.

The attendance is not mandatory and students can opt for online or offline classes and must submit a consent letter from parents.