Summary:
New Delhi, Nov 29 (PTI) With the new variant of COVID-19 sparking concerns and uncertainty, health and education experts have called for a well thought of plan for schools rather than prolonged closures again.
The B.1.1.529 Covid variant or Omicron, first detected in South Africa last week, was designated by the World Health Organisation as a "variant of concern", the health body"s top category for worrying coronavirus variants.
Schools across the country were closed in March last year ahead of a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Several states have partially reopened schools for different classes after prolonged closures.
Seema Kaur, Principal, Pacific World School said just when the schools had started to settle in, the looming threat from the new virus has caused uncertainty and anxiety.
"The education sector has been the worst-hit wherein children"s academic, social and mental skills have gone for a toss.