Imphal: The Manipur government on Friday ordered not to conduct physical classes for Class-VII and below till August 7, 2022 while allowing to re-open schools for physical classes for Class-VIII and above.

The order, however, said that schools can be re-opened for conduct of physical classes for classes VIII and above by following strictly Covid Appropriate Behaviour, Covid-19 SOP and guidelines issued by the government from time to time.

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All schools across the state remained closed following an order of the state education department issued on July 12 last. The order directed the schools to remain closed till July 24.

The closure of the schools was related to the exponential rise in the daily COVID-19 tally in the state since the first week of July.

The decision to suspend physical classes for the children below the age of 12 years, that is, upto class-VII was taken after the state government re-assessed the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state and the rate of vaccination of children of 12-years and below, the order issued today said.

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It added that children below 12 years of age continue to be more vulnerable to get infected by COVID-19 as they are yet to get vaccinated.

The government decided to continue suspension of the physical classes for the children below 12 years of age in view of the vulnerability and as a precautionary measure for the health and safety of the children, the order stated.

NNN