In the light of the rising COVID-19 cases in the states, all schools and Anganwadi centres have been shut up to January 16, 2022. This step has been taken by the Uttarakhand state government while imposing restrictions that includes night curfews. As per the orders, physical classes up to class 12 have been closed. It must be noted that the schools and Anganwadi centres in Uttarakhand are the last ones to be closed down since many neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh have already taken the step.
The closing down of schools have been mostly because of the rising fears of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. Students will now to continue with their studies via the online mode. All guidelines in Uttarakhand will remain effective till January 16, 2022. Nevertheless, keeping in mind the pace at which the cases are rising in the state, the restrictions are likely to get extended further. Various stakeholders have been directed to keep in touch with the schools and Anganwadi centres to get more updates regarding the matter.
Present Situation
Uttarakhand recently reported the maximum number of single-day cases in six months. There were more than 600 new cases. It has been a week since the state has started reporting 100 cases every day. The closing down of schools in Uttarakhand will be followed in all cities and districts of the state. At present, Dehradun followed by Haridwar and Nainital are leading in the maximum number of COVID-19 cases.
Other Restrictions
These restrictions were announced late at night by Chief Secretary SS Sandhu who issued fresh guidelines, thereby announcing certain curbs.
- Through these restrictions, all political rallies and protests have been banned.
- Along with this, swimming pools and water parks are going to remain closed.
- Events, whether they are public, educational or cultural, are not allowed to take place.
- Although cinema halls, shopping malls, salons, spa, theatres and auditoriums have been allowed to operate, they will function at only 50% capacity.
- Similarly, sports grounds and stadium will be allowed to function at 50% capacity.
What other states have done
Yesterday, the Assam government announced the closing down of schools. Although classes 9 to 12 will be held in the offline mode, others will be conducted via the online mode. The government has also imposed night curfews in the state. These restrictions will stay in place till January 30, 2022.
Schools in Mumbai up to classes 11, except 10 and 12 have been discontinued. In Jharkhand, the schools and colleges have been shut up to January 15, 2022. Tamil Nadu has also closed down physical classes till January 08, 2022, up to classes 08. Almost all other states are following a similar pattern of closing down the schools.
