On Monday, schools in Himachal Pradesh have restarted physical classroom studies for class 8 students, after a long gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, schools were reopened for students of classes 9 to 12 from September 27.
The decision for reopening the physical classes for students of classes 8 to 12 was taken by the state government after considering the Covid-19 situation in Himachal Pradesh and the declining positivity rate. The Education department has allowed to open schools from class 8 onwards, on all working days, by following Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines, as per the government notification issued on October 8.
The notification said, "To ensure all SOPs, including staggering of students, are followed, principals and headmasters are authorized to implement micro plans prepared by them for their respective school, according to availability of accommodation."