COVID-19: Assam schools closed for Classes 1-5, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

NEW DELHI: Assam schools to close, suspending physical classes for both public and private school students studying from Class 1 to Class 5 from January 7 onwards, owing to the increasing Omicron, Covid cases in the state, Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister of Assam said today. The schools are to remain closed till January 30. In Guwahati, schools will be closed for Classes 1 to 8, Sarma said.

Offline classes will be continuing for classes 9, 10, and 11 on a rotational basis. Students of these classes are directed to attend school for three days a week. On the other hand, offline classes for Class 12 will continue by strictly following Covid guidelines as board exams are close, Sarma said.

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The government has issued new restrictions and guidelines since the Assam Covid cases have been on the rise. The new Assam Covid restrictions include restrictions in the opening time and capacity of offices, restaurants, shops, among others. The Assam government has also imposed a night curfew from 10 pm to 6 am, which will begin from January 8 onwards.

In case of worsening Covid situation in the state, the Assam health department will further direct the schools to close up to Class 8, Sarma said.

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School hours have not changed as of yet. The Assam education department will release a new notification providing the class timings for Classes 9, 10 and 11 as they are attending classes on a rotational basis.