States which have shut down schools amid Omicron scare

Vaccination of children in the 15-18 age group against Covid-19 began on Monday as inoculation centres across the country started administering the shots to the younger population. The process to vaccinate children has commenced amid a scare of the third wave and Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

To keep the children safe and prevent the spread of the deadly virus, several states have once again shut down the schools.

Let us take a look at the states where their governments have already announced shutting down of schools.

Delhi

Schools, colleges and educational institutes will remain closed as the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has declared a “yellow alert” (first level of restrictions) amidst a surge in Covid cases and Omicron variant. According to Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), if Covid-19 positivity rate crosses the five per cent mark and stays above it for two consecutive days, Delhi will be put under ‘Red’ alert. It currently stands at 4.59 per cent.

Haryana

The Haryana government on Sunday restricted physical classes for students in schools, colleges, and universities in view of the rising Covid-19 cases in the state. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced the decision via his Twitter handle. Guidelines have also been issued to hostel students. The schools and educational institutions will be closed till January 12, 2022.

Uttar Pradesh

Schools in UP have been closed for the time being in view of the chilly weather and the increasing cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus. The state government directed the closure of schools up to class VIII from December 31 to January 14, 2022. However, these rules are only for government schools. Students who want to attend school will have to bring written permission from parents and online classes will continue to operate as before.

Maharashtra

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has said that schools from Classes 1-8 to be closed till 31 Jan. He further added that classes 9-12 will be open for vaccination drives only. “A review of the restrictions will be made on 10 January,” said he.

West Bengal

The state government has announced the closure of schools and other educational institutions from January 3 onwards owing to a rise in Covid-19 cases. “All academic activities in schools, colleges and universities shall remain closed. Only administrative activities shall be permitted with 50% of employees at a time,” the government order reads.

Rajasthan

The state government closed all schools till January 9 for class 8. These instructions are applicable to all schools. Here too, students of class 9 can come to school with the permission of their parents. In addition, they will have to strictly follow rules such as wearing masks and social distancing. The district collector has been authorised to make a decision after discussion with the additional chief secretary.

Odisha

Classes 1 to 5 which was scheduled to reopen from January 3, 2022, has been ordered to remain shut owing to the rise in COVID-19 cases. However, physical classes for students from 6 to 10 will remain open.

Bihar

Schools from classes 1 to 8 have been closed here till January 8. At present, the government cited cold weather as the reason for the closure of the school. If the cold increases, schools here can be closed for a long time. However, schools have also been closed due to the increased risk of corona.

Goa

Schools and educational institutions in Goa will remain closed till January 26 in view of a surge in Covid cases in the coastal state, Dr Shekhar Salkar, a member of the Goa government’s task force for Covid management said on Monday. A night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am will also be imposed in Goa soon, he said.

Punjab
The Punjab government on Tuesday decided to clamp night curfew, shut all educational institutions and allow cinema halls to operate with 50 per cent capacity to arrest the spread of the infection, officials said. Movement of individuals for all non-essential activities shall remain prohibited between 10 pm to 5 am within municipal limits of all cities and towns of Punjab, according to an order issued by the home affairs and justice department on Tuesday.

Telengana

Schools and colleges in Telengana have been closed after an announcement by chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao today. The orders would come in effect from January 8, 2022 and would continue till January 16, 2022 as of now.

Jharkhand

The Jharkhand government on Monday decided to re-impose pandemic-related restrictions, shutting down all educational institutions and tourist places till January 15 and capping employee attendance at 50 per cent in offices. The announcement was made after chief minister Hemant Soren held a meeting with senior officials.