Classes X, XI, XII to resume in Punjab from July 26

Chief Minister announces further easing of COVID curbs, including guests at functions

Schools for Classes X, XI, and XII in Punjab are all set to open from July 26, with Chief Minister Captain (retd.) Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announcing further relaxations. The easing of curbs include increase in the number of people aloowed in indoor gatherings to 150 and outdoors to 300, subject to an upper limit of 50% of the capacity. Taking note of the decline in COVID positivity to 0.3 %, with reproduction number (Rt) at 0.75 for Punjab (lower than the national average), the Chief Minister said schools will be allowed to open for classes X to XII, but only teachers and staff who are fully vaccinated shall be allowed to be physically present. Physical presence of the students is not mandatory and shall be purely at the consent of the parents; the option of virtual classes shall be continued. An undertaking to this effect shall be submitted to the Deputy Commissioners concerned, he directed. If the situation remains under control, the remaining classes shall similarly be allowed to open from August 2, the Chief Minister announced.