‘Schools, colleges that’ll see infection surge to be shut’

If there is any report or possibility of rise in Covid cases in any educational institution then those will be closed, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Saturday.

“But no such situation has so far arisen anywhere. If any report comes, we’ll take steps,” she said while talking to reporters after the inauguration of Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition at the Shilpakala Academy.

“We don’t want to bring the pre-primary level students to educational institutions now. After three weeks, we’ll take a decision on it,” said Dipu Moni.

The education minister said the pandemic is not over yet in the world and people must stay careful although the daily infection rate has fallen below 5 per cent.

“We’ll have to keep eyes on the situation. Anyone can fall sick anywhere — at home, on the way to schools or even at educational institutions. We’re alert so that we can take steps immediately. We’ll take measures in consultation with local administrations, civil surgeon offices and health department if we receive any complaint or report.”

A class VII student died of Covid while a class X student of another school tested positive, she said, adding that all their classmates were tested but no one was found positive.

The students of schools and colleges in Bangladesh returned to their classrooms September 11 after a prolonged closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.