Schools in Punjab have reopened from today only for students from Class 5 to 12. The state government took the decision after persistent demands from parents.

The schools will open for 5 hours from 10 am to 3 pm.

Punjab school education minister Vijay Inder Singla said that chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has directed to ensure safety of the children amid Covid-19 pandemic. He added that following the directions of the CM, all school managements have been asked to strictly comply with the instructions of the government.

“If the strength of the students is large in the school and social distancing norms are not maintainable, in that case school head or management may take a decision whether to hold the classes in two shifts or call the students at alternate days, at their own level,” the Education Minister said.

Arrangements must be made for cleaning and disinfecting all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, storage places, water tanks, kitchens, canteens, washrooms, libraries on the school campus. Each school has been asked to ensure availability of key supplies like infrared digital thermometers, disinfectants and soaps.

The administration of several schools had requested the education department to allow them to reopen before annual exams so that students can do a final revision.

Schools across the country have been shut since the pandemic reached India early last year and a lockdown was enforced.

India’s Covid-19 caseload rose to 1,03,95,278 with 20,346 new infections being reported in a day, while the number of recoveries surpassed one crore, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Thursday.