Karnataka schools to reopen for classes 9-12 from August 23; night, weekend curfew to continue

The Karnataka government has decided to resume physical classes for students of Class 9 to 12 from August 23 in a phased manner. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai regarding COVID-19 management and the reopening of schools and colleges.

"Education AND health experts discussed the reopening of schools. We have also discussed other states` status. We have decided to re-open in two phases, schools for standard 9-12 will start from August 23, classes will be held in alternate batches (2 batches in one week, 3 days each)," Bommai told mediapersons.

"The decision about reopening of classes up to standard 8 will be taken in the last week of August after looking at all aspects of third-wave. All this is what the experts suggested. The Covid-19 task force will be formed soon," he added.

He also informed that it is also decided to impose a weekend curfew in border districts of Kerala and Maharashtra and instead of 10 pm night curfew it was decided to execute night curfew from 9.00 pm.

"Today we had a meeting with experts Dr Devi Shetty, Dr Manjunath, Dr Ravi, Dr Sudarshan, Health Department and Education dept over COVID management. We discussed the present situation, positivity rate, and Centre`s guidelines. After all discussions, we have taken some decisions," said Bommai.

"Night curfew and weekend curfew will continue in districts bordering Kerala and Maharashtra. Night curfew (throughout the state) from 9 pm to 5 am will be imposed. We have given directions to the Police department to strictly monitor it," he added.

(With ANI inputs)