Govt schoolteachers a worried lot as many test positive for Covid

Tribune News Service

Shivani Bhakoo

Ludhiana, January 19

Teachers in government schools are a worried lot these days. Reason is several of their fellow beings have tested positive for Covid. Now, when elections are round the corner there are maximum chances of contracting infection as teachers will have to share rooms and conduct meetings.

DCSpeak

Every second person is unwell these days, but duties are to be performed. There will be no blanket exemption. Covid positive staff should rest for seven days and report back for duty. Varinder Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana

At the same time, the administration maintains that there will be no blanket exemption. “Such positive persons should rest and report back on duty,” says the administration.

One of the principals of a government school at a village near Ludhiana on condition of anonymity said, “Trainings can be conducted any time. We are getting information on our WhatsApp groups about teachers, who tested positive for Covid.”

“Yesterday, in the entire district, names of over 35 teachers were exchanged, who got infected with virus. Their names are included in election duties. In such case, we will also be exposed to the virus. The Education Department has not given any clear directions about Covid positive staff,” he added.

Apart from Covid, teachers feel that during the election phase, studies of students in government schools would be affected. “We are already conducting online classes. Many poor and needy students hardly get chance to attend classes due to their background and lack of facilities. Teachers and BLOs are deployed on election and Covid duties to prepare data,” said Parveen Kumar from the Government School Teachers’ Union.

“In such conditions, how can teachers focus on studies of their students. Students will definitely suffer, especially those who have to take board class exams,” he added.

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