After more than a year, physical classes in schools and colleges have resumed across Arunachal Pradesh. The decision was not an easy one for the government and so it is for parents.
Education is one sector which has been greatly impacted as the highly infectious coronavirus prompted shutdown of schools and educational institutions. After almost 17-months of on&off covid lockdowns and measures, there is a mixed bag of opinions about opening of schools. 
The covid lockdowns has broken the chain of knowledge transmission among students. Students are among the worst sufferers-- with quality of education and learning process in tatters. This “learning loss” is huge.
The decision to open schools and all educational institutions will also be a key area which the health department and the administration must monitor with a hawk-eye. The opening of schools especially at this crucial juncture will be a make or break for Arunachal’s Covid scene. Experts have cautioned of an imminent third Covid wave which will particularly affect children; unlike the previous waves, which has hit the senior age groups prompting an aggressive vaccination campaign. 
How far schools follow and implement covid SOPs will be crucial. Children cannot be expected to follow Covid appropriate behaviour at all times. And we haven’t yet started their vaccination process. Since cent percent vaccination is the only way to contain the virus, it is imperative that the administration keeps a strict  vigil on schools. 
The Covid pandemic has dealt us a curveball. The state must remain cautious and watchful and work in close coordination with local administration and health authorities to keep abreast with the new and evolving challenges.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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