Karnataka: Offline Classes Suspended For Grades 6 To 9 Due To Rise In Covid Cases

With the rise in Covid-19 cases in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government announced to suspend offline classes for Grades 6 to 9 in Bengaluru Urban. As per reports, Karnataka recorded 4,234 new cases as of 01 April 2021, with Bengaluru Urban topping the tally with 2,906 positive cases. In the last 24 hours, a total of 1,15,372 samples were tested and the daily test positivity rate is 3.65 percent across the state.

The state government announced the suspension of physical classes for standard 6 to 9 in Bengaluru, while the offline classes will continue for standard 10 to 12. However, attendance is not mandatory for the students and it has been left to the choice of students and parents. The regular offline classes in other parts of the state will continue.

According to State Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar "The decision was taken keeping in view the age and health of the students. For class 10 to 12 students, attendance is not mandatory. The decision on holding exams for classes 6 to 9 will be taken soon."

The regular offline classes started from January 1, 2021, after the schools remained shut for more than 10 months for the 2020-21 academic year in the state. During the pandemic, virtual classes were the only means to impart education to the students. The decline in cases encouraged the government to start regular classes but the second wave of coronavirus has now forced the government to suspend physical classes for standard 6 to 9.