For the first time ever, the Department of Basic Education, Uttar Pradesh, has issued a notice for a statewide winter vacation in all schools due to the intensifying cold waves and the further drop in temperature predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department. As per the notice, all schools (all boards) in the state will remain closed for the next 15 days starting December 31. Notably, this winter break has been granted to students up to Class 8 only.

Schools to resume from Jan 15, 2022

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While district collectors used to issue orders depending on the weather for winter holidays earlier, a state body has released an official notification, applicable to the entire state this time. As per the notice, during this break, no teaching-learning activity will be conducted in Uttar Pradesh in online or offline mode. Reportedly, after the winter vacation, schools are set to resume offline classes from January 15, 2022.

Fresh guidelines issued in view of rising Omicron cases

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Meanwhile, witnessing the rise in Omicron cases across the state, the administration has also issued fresh COVID-mandated guidelines for schools. According to the directives issued by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, while no student can be forced to attend offline sessions, students will only be allowed to attend physical classes with the consent of their parents. Additionally, schools are bound to conduct online lectures for the students who choose to take online classes.

Moreover, to ensure safety for all, school management will have to undertake regular sanitisation drives as well. The school authority will also have to ensure that all the available entry and exit points in the premises are used, so as to avoid overcrowding at all times. As per the order, schools have to ensure all the staff including the academic and non-teaching workers are fully-vaccinated against COVID. Other basic pandemic-mandated rules like the mandatory mask and social distancing are also to be followed strictly on campus.