The government is exploring different options to re-open schools. At the press brief today, the Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji, said that discussions are still underway in the cabinet and government is yet to decide on the dates.
The Education Ministry in consultation with the Health Ministry will soon present a proposal to the government.
Lyonpo shared that currently the government is looking into various alternatives.
” We are considering if schools have enough space to practice physical distancing should the schools re-open. And whether the schools should be re-opened to all classes or just X and XII considering their common examination ,” said Lyonpo.
Lyonpo also said that while they don’t see the possibility of transmission in boarding schools once all the students and staff are inside, however there are problems with day scholars.
“So we are taking into account all these alternatives and once all the discussions are over, we will inform the people through media, ” Lyonpo added.
Taking into account the health perspective, the Health Minister said that it is important to understand the risk and vulnerability, which is determined by what is happening in the region and within the country and the nature of the pandemic.
Lyponpo said, “As of now we are quite confident that there are no local transmission but again we are not hundred percent sure that there are no local transmission. So it has to be a decision that is good for the nation, for the country and good for everyone. So at the government level we are discussing options and we are exploring but we are also very mindful of our own risk and vulnerability.”
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has issued a notification to all the Dzongkhags and Thromdes to start preparing facilities such as supply of piped water and installation of hand washing stations in all schools.
According to the notification all dzongkhags and thromdes were asked to carry out the work at the earliest so that the schools can be re-opened safely as and when the government decides on the dates.
Last week, the Ministry had received a directive from the Prime Minister to prepare for the re-opening of schools on the condition that provision of drinking water and availability of hand washing stations are met by all schools as preparedness against COVID-19 pandemic.
Sonam Pem
