Omicron, COVID-19 Cases In India: Schools shut; board exams online?

New Covid-19 Guidelines: Andhra Pradesh government imposed a Covid curfew in the state between 11 PM and 5 AM. The curfew will start from January 18 to 31, said an AP government order.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court also took Covid precautions by deciding to conduct only virtual hearings from January 17 onwards as Covid-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh are on the rise.  

Online Yoga Classes Delhi: Delhi government is set to launch online yoga and pranayam classes for COVID-19 patients in Delhi. The online yoga session will be made available to those patients in home isolation from January 12 onwards, said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday, as per PTI reports. 

The free yoga course in Delhi is provided under the "Dilli ki Yogshala" programme. "Eight classes will be provided with one hour each from 6 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 7 pm", Kejriwal said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday took the Covid-19 precaution dose at a private hospital, PTI reported.

More than 93 percent of the eligible population in Rajasthan has received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena said on Tuesday, PTI reported.

Private Offices Closed In Delhi: All private offices in Delhi will be closed, except those in exempted categories as per Delhi governments new directions amid the increasing COVID-19 cases. The schools in Delhi are already closed, but the private offices were allowed to function with 50 per cent of its staff capacity. The private offices in Delhi will now have to follow a 'work from home' routine, as per a PTI  report. 

Delhi Govt Latest Order And Circular On Covid: A DDMA (DDMA full form: Delhi Disaster Management Authority) order directed the closing of restaurants. But home delivery services and takeaway orders will be available.

BHU: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to shift to online mode of education till January 16, 2022, as per the new Covid guidelines issued by the Indian government as Uttar Pradesh Covid cases are on the rise. 

वैश्विक महामारी #Covid19 की स्थिति के मद्देनज़र काशी हिन्दू विश्वविद्यालय में 16.01.2022 तक सभी कक्षाएं भारत सरकार के दिशानिर्देशों के अनुरूप ऑनलाइन मोड में चलेंगी। कुलपति प्रो. सुधीर कुमार जैन की अध्यक्षता में विश्वविद्यालय के वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों की बैठक में ये निर्णय लिया गया। pic.twitter.com/NNFGSXAuNp

— BHU Official (@bhupro) January 10, 2022

Covid News Tamil Nadu: K. Ponmudi, the higher education minister of Tamil Nadu announced the postponement of all university end-semester exams scheduled to start from January 20 onwards, owing to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu. He further said that the new exam schedule will be released a week before the exam date, reported the Hindu. 

Covid Guidelines Tamil Nadu: "Any university or college that holds exams by violating the announcement will attract strict action," Ponmudi said. 

All examinations of the Osmania University scheduled from January 8 to 16, 2022 has been postponed owing to the holidays announced by the Telangana government to all educational institutions due to the increasing Covid cases in the state. 

Telangana Covid Cases: Osmania University postpones exams 

Covid India: India witnessed 1,68,063 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases, including 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant, as per the latest Union health ministry data. There are 8,21,446 active cases currently in India. This is the highest in 208 days. About 277 new Covid fatalities have also been reported. 

Omicron India: Of the total 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant cases, Maharashtra registered the maximum number of 1,247 cases followed by Rajasthan at 645, Delhi 546, Karnataka 479 and Kerala 350, said a PTI report.

Schools and colleges remain closed in many states. Weekend curfews and night curfews are also imposed. 

Maharashtra minister of education, Varsha Eknath Gaikwad said that she has directed officials to take action regarding levelling up the online education infrastructure and to ensure that schools are able to provide online learning effectively, especially among unprivileged students.

I've directed officials to take steps for augmenting online & connected education infrastructure and to ensure that all schools impart virtual & connected learning to minimise learning loss, especially among children from vulnerable segments.

— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) January 10, 2022

Maharashtra schools and colleges were closed except for classes 10 and 12 till February 15 as per the latest Maharashtra Covid guidelines, in the backdrop of increasing Covid cases in the state. 

India logged 1,68,063 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,58,75,790 which includes 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The active cases rose to 8,21,446, the highest in 208 days, while the death toll climbed to 4,84,213 with 277 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

Covid-19, Omicron cases in India today 

4,461 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus detected across 28 states, UTs so far: Union Health Ministry.

Single day rise of 1,68,063 new COVID-19 infections, 277 fatalities push India's tally of cases to 3,58,75,790, death toll to 4,84,213.

The Haryana government has decided to shut schools, colleges in the state in view of a sudden spike in Covid-19, Omicron cases in India. The Haryana education minister Kanwar Pal said that all schools are instructed to shut schools, colleges till January 26, 2022. “In view of the increasing cases of Covid-19 pandemic, the government has decided to keep the schools and colleges of the state closed till 26 January for the safety of the students,” the Haryana education minister said. 

Haryana schools, colleges to continue online classes

A total of 10,698 precautionary or booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered on the first day of the drive at Mumbai on Monday, the city civic body said. The beneficiaries included health workers, frontline workers and the people of 60 years and above with comorbidities as per the directions of the Central and Maharashtra governments, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Seven more people died of COVID-19 in Punjab on Monday, while 3,969 fresh cases took the infection tally to 6,25,347, a medical bulletin said. The number of active cases climbed to 19,379 from 16,343 on Sunday. The positivity rate also jumped to 19.31 per cent from 13.77 per cent the previous day. Two deaths each were reported from Bathinda and Ludhiana, while one death each from Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Patiala.

BJP president J P Nadda on Monday said that he has tested positive for COVID-19, PTI reported.

More than 9 lakh healthcare and frontline workers, and 60-plus citizens with comorbidities received their third Covid jab on Monday, the Union Health Ministry said, as the country began administering a "precautionary" dose against the infection, as per PTI.

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the upcoming 25th National Youth Festival in Puducherry has been made a virtual event, a government official said on Monday. The Union Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry has decided to conduct the event in virtual mode for two days on January 12 and 13, PTI reported.

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan inaugurated the booster dose vaccination at the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for Women and Child, as per PTI.

Authorities on Monday sealed several coaching centres in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly flouting COVID-19 norms, officials said, as per PTI.

The  Haryana Government has decided that no physical classes will be held in all schools and colleges in the state till January 26 in view of the increasing cases of COVID-19, PTI reported.

I have tested positive for COVID -19 today with mild symptoms. My health is fine, I am under home quarantine. I request everyone who have recently come in my contact to isolate themselves and get tested.

— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) January 10, 2022

The drive to administer booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to those eligible above 60 years of age began in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Monday, PTI reported.

Maharashtra on Monday started administering the precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccine to frontline and healthcare workers as well as co-morbid people aged 60 and above, with the state administering 91,648 doses till noon. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said a total of 13,91,98,359 vaccine doses had been administered so far, as per PTI.

I have tested positive for Corona today with mild symptoms. I am under home quarantine. I request everyone who have recently come in my contact to isolate themselves and get tested.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 10, 2022

 The drive to vaccinate health and frontline workers and elderly people with comorbidities with a COVID-19 booster dose began in West Bengal on Monday, a health official said. A total of 22 lakh senior citizens, 10.5 lakh health workers, 7.5 lakh frontline personnel and 5 lakh doctors in the state are scheduled to receive the precautionary dose, PTI reported.

The Centre on Monday made it clear to states and UTs that no time limit has been set for the operationalisation of Covid vaccination centres, and that they can operate till 10 pm daily based on availability of human resources and infrastructure, PTI reported.

Amid the relentless rise in COVID-19 cases, the Odisha government on Monday rolled out booster doses for its frontline workers and senior citizens with comorbidities, much like other parts of the country, PTI reported.

The Haryana government has announced the closure of schools, colleges till January 26 due to the spike in Covid-19, Omicron cases in India. "Online teaching will continue, in which schools and colleges will take necessary action by focusing on the preparation of the upcoming examination," Haryana education minister said.

Read | Covid-19: Haryana schools, colleges closed till January 26; online classes to resume

Covid-19 महामारी के बढ़ते मामलों के मध्यनजर विद्यार्थियों की सुरक्षा हेतू सरकार द्वारा राज्य के स्कूलों तथा कॉलेजों को 26 जनवरी तक बंद रखने का निर्णय लिया गया है।
ऑनलाइन शिक्षण जारी रहेगा, जिसमे आगामी परीक्षा की तैयारी पर केंद्रित होकर स्कूल व कॉलेज आवश्यक कार्रवाई करेंगे ।

— Ch. Kanwar Pal (@chkanwarpal) January 10, 2022

The University of Madras has postponed all semester exams scheduled to begin from January 21. Regular practical exams which began on January 3 also stands postponed, the Times of India reported. The decision was taken owing to the rise in Covid-19, Omicron cases in India.

Madras University postpones all semester exam

Amid a surging third wave of coronavirus infections, Delhi on Monday started administering a third or "precautionary dose" to people aged 60 or more, healthcare workers and frontline workers who took their second dose of vaccine nine months ago.  Around three lakh such people have become eligible for the third dose from Monday.  

Lucknow University has announced to close campus for offline classes from January 10 to January 16 due to rising Omicron, COVID-19 cases in India.

Maharashtra recorded the maximum number of 1,216 Omicron cases, followed by Rajasthan 529, Delhi 513, Karnataka 441, Kerala 333 and Gujarat 236. A total 1,79,723 new coronavirus infections were reported in a day, the highest in around 227 days.

 India records 1,79,723 cases, 146 deaths 

India saw a single-day rise of 1,79,723 coronavirus infections taking the total tally to 3,57,07,727, including 4,033 cases of the Omicron variant reported across 27 states and union territories so far, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The number of active cases has increased to 7,23,619, the highest in around 204 days, while the death toll has climbed to 4,83,936 with 146 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

More than 300 Delhi Police personnel, including the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said on Monday. "More than 300 police personnel have been infected. They belong to different units of the force and are under quarantine," said a senior police officer.

Amid a fresh spurt of Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh, the state government on Sunday ordered closure of all schools till January 16 and said the night curfew will continue to be in force between 10 pm and 6 am in the state. The government, in a statement said, the night curfew, which happened to be in force between 11 pm and 6 am since December 25 had been extended by two hours on Tuesday. "All schools will remain closed till January 16, but online classes will be held.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday issued fresh guidelines, including adoption of online classes up to college level, and optimal use of virtual mode for conducting official meetings. The decision to this effect was taken by the State Executive Committee (SEC) which met under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary A K Mehta.

Ten students and three mess staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on the NIT campus in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district on Sunday, an official said. With this, the number of those who have recently been found infected with the virus on the NIT campus has risen to 186.

NIT Hamirpur

The Rajasthan government on Sunday announced the closure of schools in urban areas, Sunday curfews. The restrictions were tightened on a day the state registered 5,660 new Covid cases and one death.  According to the guidelines issued by the state home department, schools up to Class 12 in municipal corporation and municipality areas will be closed till January 30. Online classes will continue as before, it stated. Earlier, the government had announced the closure of schools for classes 1 to 8 till January 17 in Jaipur and Jodhpur municipal corporation areas.

Schools in Rajasthan closed till January 30 

Amid a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases fuelled by Omicron variant, several government programmes have either been postponed or moved to virtual mode. The Union Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports has decided to organise the 25th National Youth Festival on the virtual platform from January 12-13 in view of the spike in Covid cases,PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Sunday to review the COVID-19 situation in the country as the Omicron variant of the virus fuels a surge in cases.  The meeting was held virtually.  According to Union health ministry data updated at 8 am on Sunday, a total of 1,59,632 new coronavirus infections were reported, the highest in 224 days, while the active cases increased to 5,90,611, PTI reported.

All schools conducting offline classes for students from grade 1 to 9 will remain shut from Monday in the Union Territory due to unabated rise in number of Covid 19 cases. Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam said in a release that online classes would resume for students of Classes 1 to 9 as holiday has been declared for these classes from tomorrow until further orders, PTI reported.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there is no plan to impose lockdown as of now and there will be no lockdown if people wear masks, PTI reported.

COVID-19 India: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he has recovered from Covid and is back in the service of the public.  The CM had tested positive on January 4 and had isolated himself at home.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting on Sunday to review the COVID-19 situation in the country as the Omicron variant of the virus fuels a surge in the infection.  Government sources said the meeting is scheduled for around 4:30 PM.    According to the data updated at 8 am on Sunday, a total of 1,59,632 new coronavirus infections were reported, as per PTI.

The loss of learning for a whole generation of young children will be irreversible if we continue to close schools. Keeping schools open must be a priority and can be safely done https://t.co/nrUvh1O6BB

— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) January 8, 2022

Registration for the 'precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with co-morbidities started on the CoWIN portal on Saturday evening. The exercise of administering the precaution dose to these category of beneficiaries will begin from Jan 10, PTI reported.

Covid in India: About 1,789 new Covid-19 cases were registered in Goa on Saturday. There are 7,549 active coronavirus cases in Goa as of today, as per a PTI report. 

Schools and colleges in Goa remain closed as the Goa government decided to close them till January 26 on Monday.

Maharashtra School News: Maharashtra schools and colleges closed till February 15, 2022, except for Class 10 and 12 students, as per new government Covid guidelines, owing to the rising coronavirus cases in the state. 

Measure to contain the spread of COVID pic.twitter.com/S6FG4EEU1R

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 8, 2022

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chief minister of Madhya Pradesh asked to speed up the Covid vaccination process for children of age group 15 to 18 years in the state. He directed the officers to monitor the situation while reviewing the Corona situation in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Corona Cases: "There has been a 12 fold increase of Covid cases in MP in a week. 1577 coronavirus positive cases have been registered in Madhya Pradesh. Hence, the Covid situation in MP requires more attention," said Chouhan. 

मुख्यमंत्री श्री चौहान ने कहा कि सभी जिलों में प्रतिबंधात्मक निर्देशों का पालन सुनिश्चित कराया जाये। मुख्यमंत्री श्री चौहान ने कहा कि 15 से 18 वर्ष के बच्चों के टीकाकरण कार्य में गति लाई जाए। प्रभारी अधिकारी इसकी मॉनिटारिंग करें।

— Jansampark MP (@JansamparkMP) January 8, 2022

Todays Covid Cases in West Bengal: 18,802 new COVID-19 cases were registered in West Bengal, the state health department said in its Covid bulletin. 19 fatalities were reported. Bengal currently has 62,055 active cases.

 Kolkata Covid Cases: 7,337 new cases were registered in Kolkata today

West Bengal education department is not planning to change the schedule of the offline board exams since the exams are scheduled three to four months away, hoping that the COVID-19 situation could improve by then. The West Bengal Higher secondary board Class 12 exams are scheduled to start from April 2 and Class 10 exams from March 7

Covid-19 Coronavirus Cases India News: 20,318 fresh coronavirus cases were registered in Mumbai along with five deaths, on Saturday, civic officials said. Presently there are more than one lakh active Mumbai Covid cases, as per PTI report. 

According to a statement from the BMC, 82 per cent of the individuals who tested Covid positive today were asymptomatic. Only 21.4 percent of the hospital beds available in Mumbai are now occupied. 

Due to the huge rise in the COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, including the Omicron variant, Mumbai schools are closed for classes 1 to 9 and also 11 till January 31. But offline classes will continue for students of classes 10 and 12. 

Covid-19 Coronavirus Cases India News: 20,318 fresh coronavirus cases were registered in Mumbai along with five deaths, on Saturday, civic officials said. Presently there are more than one lakh active Mumbai Covid cases, as per PTI report. 

According to a statement from the BMC, 82 per cent of the individuals who tested Covid positive today were asymptomatic. Only 21.4 percent of the hospital beds available in Mumbai are now occupied. 

Due to the huge rise in the COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, including the Omicron variant, Mumbai schools are closed for classes 1 to 9 and also 11 till January 31. But offline classes will continue for students of classes 10 and 12. 

Covid in India: Over 2 lakh adolescents between the age group of 15 to 18 years get the COVID-19 vaccination first dose in the national capital Delhi. There are 10.14 lakh beneficiaries for the vaccination for children in the 15-18 age group in Delhi. The Covid vaccination for children in India exercise began on January 3, owing to the rising Omicron variant and Covid-19 cases in India.

Covid-19 vaccine certificate download can be done from the CoWIN app - website.  

Covid India: Nine fresh coronavirus cases were registered in Nagaland today, pushing the total number of cases so far registered in the state to 32,264, a health department official said, as per PTI. There are 79 active COVID-19 cases presently in Nagaland. 

Covid Report Rajasthan: 15 students of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur were tested Coronavirus positive, as Rajasthan Covid cases rise. Among the 15 Covid-19 infected students, 13 are asymptomatic, reported the Times of India. 

The West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS) has postponed the examination for nursing and MBBS 1st year examination, which was scheduled to be held in the last week of January. 

WBUHS Covid-19 Notice: Exam postponed until further notice 

The all India inter-university archery championship got postponed as COVID-19 cases are increasing across India. slated The archery championship was scheduled to be held in Mohali from January 18-22. However, the tournament which is presently going on in Gachibowli, Hyderabad will continue since it has already started, an Archery Association of India official said, as per a report by theTimes of India.

Covid in India: 1,41,986 new Covid cases has been identified in India in the last 24 hours as per the data shared by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

Omicron Cases in Odisha: 14 new Omicron cases have been identified in Odisha today, The total number of Covid-19 Omicron cases in Odisha has become 75 as of now, a health official said as per PTI report. The Odisha government is making efforts to develop the genome sequencing capability in the state since the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar is the only facility in Odisha where genome sequencing is conducted. 

College Closed News: The Odisha government will close all colleges, universities and technical institutions in the state from January 10 to February 1, 2022, as per the latest Covid guidelines issued owing to the rising Odisha Covid cases. 

Jharkhand Covid Cases: Banna Gupta, Jharkhand health minister tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time today. The minister is now under home isolation. Previously in August 2020, he had tested Covid positive, following which, the entire council of ministers of Chief Minister Hemant Soren went for quarantine. 

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) demanded free testing, Covid vaccination camps, Covid vaccine drive at doorsteps and precautionary measures before reopening educational institutions across India. SFI made the following demands: 

• Provide free Covid testing and vaccination including individuals below the age of 21 years. 
• Corona vaccination camp in educational institutions. 
• Coronavirus vaccination drive at door steps, especially for specially abled students. 
• Covid precautions should be implemented before re-opening campuses across India.  

1. Provide free testing & vaccination➡️
Including the people below the age of 21 years,testing & vaccination should be made free for everyone and everywhere including private clinics/hospitals.

2.Vaccination Camp in the Educational Institutions #VaccinationForAll pic.twitter.com/r6pCDmWV33

— Mayukh Biswas (@MayukhDuke) January 8, 2022

The Students Federation of India (SFI) demanded that the Central Government should make Covid-19 testing and vaccination free for everyone across the country even in private clinics and hospitals. 

"The government should adopt favourable facilities for students and children across the nation since the Covid-19 and Omicron cases are rising," tweeted Mayukh Biswas, General Secretary, SFI. 

Covid-19, Omicron Cases Rise: SFI demand free testing

"Covid vaccine is the most effective available weapon against the coronavirus pandemic," said Sudhakar K, Karnataka health minister. 

He urged citizens aged 60+ with co-morbidities and completed 39 weeks after 2nd dose to book a vaccine slot for precaution dose. He also urged individuals to get their 2nd dose. 

He cited the Mumbai Covid cases example where a majority of the infected on oxygen beds are unvaccinated. 

Vaccine remains our most effective weapon against pandemic. 96% of infected on oxygen beds in Mumbai are unvaccinated.

?Get your 2nd dose, if you haven't received yet.

?Book your slot for precaution dose if you are 60+ with co-morbidities & completed 39 weeks after 2nd dose. pic.twitter.com/2lDQgYZ7BG

— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) January 8, 2022

Kerala education minister V Sivankutty said, "Teachers and PTAs must lead the activities related to the administration of Covid vaccine to children in Kerala. The Education Dept will collect data regarding the number of vaccinated children everyday. The Dept will also convene meetings with educational boards like the CBSE."

Teachers & PTAs must lead the activities related to the administration of Covid vaccine to children in Kerala. The Education Dept will collect data regarding the number of vaccinated children everyday. The Dept will also convene meetings with educational boards like the CBSE. pic.twitter.com/kzAwmQopDC

— V. Sivankutty (@VSivankuttyCPIM) January 2, 2022

In other news, West Bengal Fire Minister Sujit Bose has again tested positive for COVID-19, following which he has been placed under home isolation, a health official said on Saturday. Bose, who had contracted the disease in May last year, tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time on Friday night, he said.

Puducherry witnessed a big jump in the number of fresh coronavirus cases with 280 infections being reported during the last 24 hours ending 10 a.m. on Saturday pushing up the overall tally to 1,30,278. The new cases identified at the end of examination of 3,554 samples were spread over Puducherry 234, Karaikal 27 and Mahe 19, PTI reported.

The Odisha government decided to shut all colleges, universities and technical institutions in the state until February 1, 2022, owing to the rising Covid cases in the state. Medical colleges, nursing colleges and other institutions under the ministry of health and family welfare are exempted from this closure, said an order from the Odisha government.

Odisha registered 3,679 fresh COVID-19 cases, a 36-per cent rise over the previous day and the biggest single-day spike in more than six months, the Health Department said on Saturday. The coastal state’s coronavirus tally stood at 10.66 lakh. The daily test positivity rate rose to 5.15 per cent from 3.92 per cent on Friday, it said, adding, the new infections include 384 children. 

Delhi is likely to record around 20,000 COVID-19 cases on Saturday with a positivity rate of around 19 per cent, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said. He said till now there has been no Omicron variant-related death in the national capital.

Over 2 crore teenagers in the age group of 15-18 years have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in less than a week of the inoculation drive being launched for children, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday.

तेज गति से जारी बच्चों का टीकाकरण ?

Great Going, my Young Friends ?? ??

Over 2 crore youngsters between the 15-18 age group have received their first dose of #COVID19 vaccine in less than a week of vaccination drive for children.#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/787C2RByHQ

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) January 8, 2022

After 20 students test Covid-19 positive, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata in Kalyani has decided to disallow dining en masse and serve packed food from Friday. Students have also been instructed to avoid crowding and to access the laboratories in smaller numbers over multiple shifts, as per a report.

India's R-naught value which indicates the spread of COVID-19 was recorded at 4 this week, suggesting a very high infection transmission rate, according to a preliminary analysis by IIT Madras predicting the peak of the third wave between February 1-15. R-naught or R0 indicates the number of people an infected person can spread the disease to. 

A pandemic is considered to end if this value goes below 1. Based on preliminary analysis by computational modeling done by IIT Madras, which was shared with PTI, the R0 value was close to 2.9 nationally in the past week (December 25 to December 31).

IIT Madras

In other news, Delhi Commission for Women Chief Swati Maliwal Saturday said she has tested positive for coronavirus and is feeling "terribly ill". "Tested positive for COVID. Feeling terribly ill with high fever. Have isolated myself. Request people who came in contact with me to get their RTPCR done," she said in a tweet.

Tested positive for COVID. Feeling terribly ill with high fever. Have isolated myself. Request people who came in contact with me to get their RTPCR done.

Despite so much work on ground, was able to evade COVID till now! Omicron is damn infectious. Everyone pl take precaution!

— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) January 8, 2022

Due to the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in India, the Uttarakhand government had earlier allowed primary schools to run six hours a day. However, the government has now clarified that primary schools would function three hours a day, the Times of India reported.

Amid rise in Covid-19 cases and state governments imposing restriction, the Karnataka government issued new guidelines for weekend curfew. As per the new guidelines, engineering colleges in Bengaluru Urban are now allowed to hold offline classes, India Today reported.

India saw a single-day rise of 1,41,986 new coronavirus cases, raising the tally to 3,53,68,372, which includes 3,071 cases of Omicron variant reported across 27 states and union territories so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday. Of the 3,071 cases of Omicron variant, 1,203 have recovered or migrated, according to the data updated by the ministry at 8 am. 

Maximum number of Omicron variant cases was recorded in 

• Maharashtra- 876  
• Delhi - 513, 
• Karnataka - 333, 
• Rajasthan - 291, 
• Kerala - 284 
• Gujarat - 204 

A total of 1,41,986 new coronavirus infections were reported in a day, the highest in around 222 days. The active Covid cases have increased to 4,72,169, the highest in around 187 days, according to the data, the PTI reported.

With at least six persons testing positive for Covid-19 in IIT Hyderabad in the last 10 days, students on campus ask the institute for online classes. Though cases were reported at IIT Hyderbad, students said that the institute was insisting on them attending offline classes, as per the Telangana Today report.

18,459 children in the 15-18 age group vaccinated for Covid-19 yesterday in Chandigarh. The city reported 390 new cases, 8 deaths, and 46 recoveries; positivity rate at 10.77% and active cases at 1,323, as per the ANI report.

Chandigarh Covid-19 vaccination of children under 15-18 age group (source: ANI)

Amid surging COVID-19 cases, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will meet on Monday to discuss further restrictions, including 'total curfew', under the Graded Response Action plan, officials said on Friday. With rise in the number of coronavirus cases and its variant Omicron, weekend curfew was imposed in Delhi from 10 pm on Friday till 5 am on Monday. Delhi on Friday recorded 17,335 fresh Covid cases, the highest single-day rise since May 8.

The Gujarat government announced to shut schools upto Class 9 till January 31. The state government asked schools to stop offline classes for Classes 1 to 9 and continue with only online lessons. Coaching centres for students of Class 9 and above and those for post-graduate courses as well as competitive exams can run with 50 per cent capacity, the official release stated.

As many as 352 healthcare workers, including 157 doctors, of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here have tested positive for the novel coronavirus over a fortnight, the premier institute said in a statement on Friday. "A total of 352 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have tested positive since 20th December, 2021 in PGIMER, Chandigarh. Of these, 157 are doctors – junior residents, senior residents and faculty members," the statement said.

PGIMER, Chandigarh

Fifty-nine more students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) here tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday forcing the authorities to declare the institute as 'mini containment zone', a district official said. A total of 140 NIT Hamirpur students have been found infected with the coronavirus in the last three days, PTI reported.

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the Gujarat government on Friday extended the night curfew time in 10 cities by two hours. There would be no in-person classes at school for students of Std first to ninth till January 31, it announced, as per PTI.

Schools in Mizoram will be closed for students of classes 1 to 9 and class 11 amid the rise in coronavirus cases, as per the new COVID-19 guidelines issued on Friday, PTI reported.

In Uttar Pradesh, 12,16,167 children in the age group 15-18 have received their first dose of vaccination against COVID-19, as per an official statement.

Gujarat government has announced to shut schools for Classes 1 to 9 from January 31 in the state following surge in COVID-19 cases, as per reports.

While other states have announced schools, colleges closure, Gujarat is yet to announce any decision on shutting educational institutions in the state.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE 2022) again for students who may miss it due to COVID-related restrictions. The NTA will conduct the exam on Sunday, January 9, 2022. The exam will be held at different centres located across India.

Read Here: COVID-19: NTA will conduct AISSEE 2022 again if students miss due to pandemic

Odisha and Maharashtra governments have announced 'schools, colleges closed' as Omicron, COVID-19 cases keep rising in the states.

Officials in Diu decided to shut pre-primary, primary and classes 1 to 8 on January 6. This decision was made after observing the rapid rise in COVID cases, the TimesNowNews reported. Following this, there is a possibility of schools closing in Gujarat. However, there is no official announcement yet.

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh was on Friday declared a 'mini containment zone' after 81 students tested positive for COVID-19 in a couple of days. Meanwhile, 27 more students were tested positive for the virus in Rapid Antigen Test on Friday, PTI reported.

Assam board will conduct the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC), or Class 10 exam and the Higher Secondary (HS) Examination, or Class 12 exam from March 15. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu has announced the dates of both the exams after a detailed discussion with the officials of the Sarba Siksha Abhiyan, as per reports.

Read Here: Assam HSLC, HS exams 2022 to begin from March 15, says education minister: Report

Goa on Friday reported 1,432 COVID-19 cases, with the positivity rate (cases per 100 tests) reaching 21.72 per cent, up from 20.46 per cent a day earlier, a health department official said, PTI reported.

Kerala recorded 5,296 new positive cases and 189 COVID-19-related deaths on Friday, taking the total count to 52,64,235 and the death toll to 49,305, PTI reported.

Odisha has decided to shut all colleges, universities and technical institutions in the state until February 1, 2022, owing to the rising Covid cases in the state. Medical colleges, nursing colleges and other institutions under the ministry of health and family welfare are exempted from this closure, said an order from the Odisha government. The educational institutions and all hostels of the institutions in the state will close from January 10 onwards.

Read Here: COVID-19: Odisha shuts colleges, universities amid rising Covid cases

Odisha Health Minister Naba Kisore Das on Friday said that he has tested positive for COVID-19, as per PTI.

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.

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

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the third wave of the pandemic along with Omicron variant of COVID-19 has hit the state from January 1 and now the government will treat all coronavirus cases as patients of the highly infectious new variant, as per PTI.

New guidelines for Covid in Odisha

Yess,why not?10th and 12th won't get covid,we have the best immune system even without being vaccinated,we won't get affected nor will our families,rather the situation will be best for us to study,we and our families are covid proof!stop playing with us!#cancelboards2022

— monica (@monicagellar23) January 7, 2022

Covid 19 Coronavirus Cases India News: As Covid Cases rise, all international arrivals in India have to undergo 7-day mandatory home quarantine, says new Covid guidelines released by the ministry of health and family welfare. 

Covid India: 7 days quarantine for international arrivals 

"The government has closed universities and reschedule their exams offline to online. Then why our #boardexams2022 are offline ? Don't we have right to live healthy ? Change our pattern as well or #cancelboardexams2022 ...#JusticeForStudents #cancelboards2022 @VarshaEGaikwad," tweeted a student.

Chennai Covid Cases: An increase in Covid 19 cases has been reported in three college hostels in Chennai. Around 106 students have been tested positive for the Coronavirus infection. According to various media reports, the three Covid clusters in Chennai emerged from Stanley Medical College Hospital, Madras Christian College and MIT, Chromepet, Chennai. 

#cancelboardexams2022 how can you'll expect us to write an offline paper when the whole syllabus was thought online this is not fair, for us our safety is important.

— Taniya Chhetri (@taniyachhetri11) January 7, 2022

The 15th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), scheduled to run between January 28-February 1, has now been postponed to March 5-14 in view of the rising number of Covid cases, the organisers said on Friday, as per PTI.

India achieved a major milestone in its vaccination programme against COVID-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 150-crore mark on Friday. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya termed it an "historic achievement" made possible because of the relentless hard work of healthcare workers under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per PTI.

Karnataka government has exempted Engineering colleges from the recently issued Karnataka Covid guidelines that stopped physical classes for schools and colleges, except for medical and paramedical courses in Bengaluru.

Bangalore Covid Cases: All engineering colleges of the Bengaluru urban district are permitted to function strictly following COVID 19 protocols, said Ashwath Narayan CN, minister of higher education, Karnataka. 

All engineering colleges are permitted to function strictly adhering to all #COVID19 protocols. Safety is a priority.

Additional Guidelines: pic.twitter.com/wBXcPnHg82

— Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N. (@drashwathcn) January 7, 2022

Omicron Cases in Karnataka: 107 new Omicron cases have been detected in the state of Karnataka on January 6. As of yet, 333 Omicron cases has been identified in Karnataka.

Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka on Friday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a private hospital. "I have tested positive for COVID-19. I am healthy, Those who were in contact with me may please get themselves tested," the minister tweeted, as per PTI.

"Is board exam cancelled for 2022 class 10," students are asking while urging the state governments to conduct online board exams amid rising Omicron, COVID-19 cases in India.

#cancelboardexams2022
8000+ cases in Maharashtra
5000+ cases in Mumbai
2000+ cases in pune
Shadi me 50 log
Funeral me 20 log
college me kitne bhi bachhe chalenge
2 sal online lectures and mcq test karwaya and achanak se offline exam@VarshaEGaikwad pic.twitter.com/ti4uaDf6Sn

— Bhavik_gundecha (@BhavikGundecha) January 7, 2022

Boards : adopt online education
Also boards : write offline exams #hscboard #cancelboardexams2022 #Exams #ONLINEEXAMS #schools #mentalillness #IHUvariant

— Rishita (@cherrygems56) January 7, 2022

Nashik Covid Cases: As Covid cases and Omicron variant cases are on the rise in Nashik, all schools in Nashik district of Maharashtra will remain closed as the government suspended offline classes for classes 1 to 9 and 11 from January 10 till 31, Offline classes will continue for students of classes 10 and 12, Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Thursday.

The Supreme Court on Friday struck down a condition specified in a clause in the CBSE's evaluation policy of June last year which stated that marks obtained in the later examination will be considered as final for assessing Class 12 students, PTI reported.

Read More | CBSE Class 12 Exams: Supreme Court quashes policy to consider improvement marks as final