Amid the declining cases in the state, the government of Himachal Pradesh decided on Thursday (July 22) to reopen schools for classes 10, 11 and 12 from August 2. The decision was taken in the meeting by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Jairam Thakur. 

The schools will resume classes under the strict guidance of the COVID-19 rules and will have to follow covid appropriate behaviour. Students of classes 5 and 8 will be allowed to visit the school in case of any doubt regarding the syllabus from August 2 as well. 

Other than teachers and students, research scholars will also be allowed to attend universities but the date is yet to be decided by the authorities. 

According to ICMR Director General Balram Bhargavas, it is a wise decision to reopen schools at the primary level because he believes that children can handle viral infection much better than adults. He had also stressed that for such a step to be considered, vaccination of school teachers and other support staff members is a necessity. 

Among other steps, the Thakur-led Himachal Pradesh government has decided to open three sub-divisional offices (Civil) at Nirmand in Kullu district and at Jubbal and Kotkhai in Shimla district to facilitate the locals.