The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has urged educational institutions across the country to run classes adopting alternative measures.

In view of increasing COVID-19 cases, it has directed the concerned authorities not to organise any assembly and gathering on the premises of educational institutions and follow the guidelines related to school operation, 2077 BS issued by the Ministry to run classes.

As per the press statement issued by the ministry, Education Minister Krishna Gopal Shrestha at a meeting on Friday reviewed the advice given by the stakeholders during the consultative meeting held on April 12. They had appealed to the government not to close schools under the pretext of staving off the transmission of COVID-19 infection. However, Minister Shrestha urged all educational institutions to adhere to the health safety protocol while operating classes. The educational institutions affected by the infection may be shut completely acting on a decision of the District COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre (DCCMC), he said.

It has been learnt that Education Secretary Ram Prasad Thapaliya viewed that local levels should be granted authority to make a decision in closing down or operating schools in view of the infection. He urged adherence to the health protocol strictly.

Likewise, Science and Technology Secretary Sanjaya Sharma said running class on an alternative basis is possible in the present situation. He said that schools should be serious and aware as the infection has affected most people below 18.