Shillong, Jan 24: The state government on Monday directed resumption of online classes for class I to class XII in Shillong.

A notification issued by the Additional Chief Secretary incharge Education DP Wahlang said, “The winter vacation ends today and schools will reopen. However, in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state, online classes from class I – class XII will resume in Shillong and Shillong urban agglomeration till further notice.”

Regarding the rest of the state apart from online classes, offline classes for class I to class XII will continue until further orders, it said.

The notification said that the deputy commissioners are empowered to assess the risk locally and decide on reopening of schools either online or offline taking into consideration the Covid cases and in consultation with the District Health officials.

A task force committee headed by the deputy commissioner may be constituted to monitor the resumption and safe operations of schools.

It also said that the district school education officers (DSEO) may be nominated as member secretary along with the DM&HOs and prominent school principals and community leaders as members.

The task force committee is empowered to assess the Covid situation and the feasibility of school/college reopening.

The notification further informed that elementary to higher secondary school teachers are to attend schools as per their roster duty chart developed by the school for compulsory transaction of daily, weekly lessons and submission of assignments, lesson plans, worksheet etc, accordingly via online or through parental distribution at the school campus.

Colleges and higher education institutions design their online classes and related activities accordingly, it added.