Himachal Pradesh schools and colleges will be closed till January 26 in light of the rising Covid-19 cases.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister in a conference with medical and police officials today gave the order to close all schools and colleges in the state till January 26. The CM also ordered the officials to ensure enhanced Covid-19 testing, and effective monitoring of Covid clusters and perimeters to check the spread of the third wave of Covid-19.

It was decided in the meeting that all the educational institutions, except medical, dental and nursing colleges in the state would remain closed till January 26 to ensure the safety of the students.

What does the official order state?
The official order regarding the closure of schools and colleges says: "All educational institutions (Government, Semi government or Private) which include Schools/Colleges/Universities/Academic Institutions/Engineering Polytechnic Colleges /ITIs/ Coaching Centers will remain closed up to 26.01.2022 in the state of Himachal Pradesh."

"The residential schools will also remain close for the period. All nursing and medical colleges will however remain open and will ensure observance of the Covid-19 SOPs and safety protocols issued by the health department," it adds.

Other directives by HP CM
The CM asked official to review the availability of beds, oxygen, PPE kits and medicines. He also felt the need for accelerate vaccination of children in the age group of 15 to 18 years and precautionary dose to health care workers.