New Delhi: Schools in West Bengal reopened on Thursday for students of classes 8-12 under strict Covid-19 protocols.
On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a press conference had announced to open educational institutions in the state including schools, colleges, universities, polytechnics and industrial training institutes.
"Covid-19 situation has improved. Schools in West Bengal for classes 8-12, colleges, universities will reopen on February 3," said Mamata Banerjee in a press meet.
A circular was also issued by the West Bengal higher education department that said, "Offline classes at UG/PG and higher level, including PhD and research work in all general degree colleges and universities will reopen on and from 3rd February 2022."
Hostels have also been allowed to reopen but in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of West Bengal board. The SOP also mentioned that no authorities can force children to stay in the hostel.
A decision on reopening primary schools is yet to be taken by the government of West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the press conference had said that a decision in this regard will be taken later.
The west Bengal government has given strict instructions to all educational institutions to take necessary steps for cleaning and sanitising the premises and maintaining Covid-19 safety protocols.
It is after a month the students have returned to physical classes in schools. In view of the Omicron-led third wave pandemic the Mamata Banerjee government on January 3 had announce the closure of all schools.
Meanwhile, 1,72,433 people tested Covid positive in the last 24 hours taking the country's total tally to 41,803,318, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The country's recovery rate stands at decent 95.14%.