Mangaluru : Dakshina Kannada, deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra directed colleges in the district not to conduct offline classes for undergraduate and postgraduate courses till September 15.

Charing a meeting on Thursday, the DC directed officials of the collegiate education department that offline classes are not allowed since the district has a test positivity rate of 2.4%.

“We will convene a meeting of officials from the collegiate education department again if the positivity rate reduces before September 15. A decision will be taken about commencing the offline classes only if the positivity rate reduces. Practical sessions for science students can be conducted in batches following all the Covid-19 guidelines. Meanwhile, classes for students from all streams should be conducted online only,” the DC said.

He insisted all teaching and non-teaching staff in colleges to compulsorily receive vaccines. “The department of collegiate education should furnish details of all staff who have not received vaccines,” he said.

On students facing internet connectivity issues in rural areas, Rajendra said that alternative options including special arrangements to hold physical classes for them will be made.