829 teachers, 525 students in Andhra test positive for coronavirus when classes start


A total of 70,790 teachers and 95,763 students were screened for the new coronavirus.

On November 2, classes began for students in class 9 and 10 in Andhra Pradesh. In the 13 districts of the state, according to the report received on November 5 at 3 p.m., a total of 829 teachers and 575 students tested positive for the new coronavirus. So far, 70,790 teachers and 95,763 children have been evaluated. According to the education department, teachers who tested positive represent only 1.17% of all people who received the test. The 575 students who tested positive represent 0.60% of the total students tested.

According to Commissioner of School Education V Chinna Veerabhadrudu, most of the teachers were evaluated before the opening of schools. However, they were allowed to go to school while they waited for the test results. “There are certain messages circulating on WhatsApp indicating that there is an increase in coronavirus cases after the reopening of schools. Those messages were forwarded to the District Education Officials involved, who, after checking, found that they are not genuine.” said.

According to officials, 99.92% of high schools have been opened in the state. 89.92% of teachers have attended classes on November 5 and 44.22% of students in class 10 have attended classes on Thursday.

The high number of cases has alarmed both parents and students. However, the commissioner dismissed these fears and assured that all precautions are being followed. He said: “In general, schools operate in a safe environment and with all due precautions. All the machinery of the district’s School Education Health and Medicine departments is vigilant. There is an encouraging and positive response among students and teachers to continue the teaching-learning activity in schools ”.

Veerabhadrudu said that economically backward students who could not pay for classes online are the most affected if schools do not open and it is a dilemma for girl students in tribal and rural areas as parents can marry them off.

Rajsekhar Budithi, Senior Secretary of the Department of School Education, said: “We are also monitoring the situation in each district very closely together with the respective District Collectors. Wherever positive cases are detected, the teacher or student in question is advised not to attend school and to immediately report to district administration and receive treatment according to COVID-19 protocols. “

Classes 6, 7 and 8 will resume on November 23, while classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will restart from December 14, according to an official statement.

Speaking to the media, Education Minister Adimupalu Suresh said on Wednesday: “A working group has been set up. Standard operating procedures are strictly followed. It is highly unlikely that teachers and students can contract the virus while at school. “

All educational institutions have been closed since March when the national closure was announced to contain the spread of COVID-19.

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