Punjab set to reopen schools for Classes 10 to 12 from July 26, other relaxation details here

Amid the decreasing COVID-19 cases, the Punjab government has decided to reopen schools for students of Classes 10, 11, and 12 in the state from July 26 with some conditions.  The Punjab government order says that the staff and teachers who join school should be fully vaccinated with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The students who come to school will have to take the approval of their parents. 

Chairing a COVID review meeting, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said schools will be allowed to open for Classes 10 to 12, but only those teachers and staff shall be allowed to be physically present who are fully vaccinated. 

During the COVID-19 review meeting, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also said the option of digital classes will remain open for the students. An undertaking to this effect shall be submitted to the deputy commissioner concerned, the CM added, according to the statement. 

Previously, states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, and many others have decided to re-open schools for class 11 and 12 students.  

Schools across the country were closed after the nationwide lockdown on March 24 last year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although offline classes resumed from October last year, schools were once again forced to close after the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that struck the country this year.  

The statement also said, the number of people in indoor gatherings has been raised to 150 and outdoors to 300, subject to a cap of 50% capacity. Earlier, the gathering of 100 persons for indoor and 200 for outdoor events was allowed.