After a rise in COVID-19 cases and the possible threat of the highly transmissible 'Omicron' variant spreading across the state, Mizoram will close the school for pupils in grades 1 to 9 and class 11.

According the new COVID-19 guidelines, schools and hostels for students in grades 1 to 9 as well as class 11 in both the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) area and other areas of the state would stay closed. According to the statement, such pupils' classes would be conducted entirely online. Classes in all colleges and institutes of higher education, as well as universities, would be held online, according to the statement.

Schools and hostels, on the other hand, would stay open for students in classes 10 and 12 who are taking their board exams this year, according to the statement. The school education department will ensure that all teachers and other school authorities on duty are fully vaccinated, according to the statement. Training institutes are permitted to remain open with a 50% capacity.

Schools and hostels for grades 1 through 9 and 11 have been closed in the AMC region since April last year, but they have been reopened outside the AMC area since August 15. 

Since September of last year, colleges outside of the AMC area have reopened. The new standards, which will be in effect from January 8 (Saturday) through January 31, prevent churches from holding worship services at night and only enable them to do so during the day with a 50% seating capacity in all parts of the state. Congregational or mass singing in churches and public meetings would remain illegal, according to the statement.

Picnic areas, movie theatres, public parks, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and beauty parlours will all be closed in the AMC region, according to the restrictions.

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