Bhubaneswar: With the schools reopening in a phased manner for physical classes, Odisha Chief Minister on Monday advised the students and teachers to strictly abide by the COVID-19 safety protocols in order to keep the Coronavirus infection at bay.
Addressing the students in a televised message, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the reopening of schools has made the children happy and that he himself is very happy over this.
“Today is a historic day for all of us… After two years, the school bells rang today and the children went to school… This has been made possible by the blessings of the Lord Jagannath, your cooperation, and the sacrifice of the COVID warriors. For the past two years, life has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Chief Minister said adding that “the opening of the schools is likely a good sign that the situation is going back to normal.”
“Children, you have been inside the house for two years… I know that the reopening of schools today has made you very happy. I am also very happy with your happiness,” Naveen said. “Reading lessons, dancing, playing games, and having fun will all go well and we would move forward again,” he assured the students.
Urging the students not to be afraid and follow the Covid guidelines properly, the Chief Minister said: “We are all with you… Follow the COVID guidelines properly… Wear masks properly in and outside school… Wash hands frequently with soap… and never neglect to follow the rules.”
Also in his address, the Odisha Chief Minister advised the teachers to make up for the loss suffered by students in studies due to the closure of schools owning to COVID-19 and ensure that students follow COVID-19 safety protocols. He also asked the school management boards to pay special attention to the safety of the children.
Further, the Chief Minister urged the parents and guardians to encourage the children to follow the COVID guidelines like wearing masks properly while going to school. He also asked the parents and guardians to drop their children at schools.
“Your generation has faced the most difficult situation in human history and this experience will give you courage and strength to face future challenges,” the Odisha CM concluded, adding that he had full faith in the students.