Schools across the state were closed in the first week of January due to a spike in coronavirus cases and in the wake of the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant. However, many parents, area activists and teachers strongly opposed the move to shut down the schools, saying it would adversely affect the students.
In Mumbai, the local civic body had earlier announced the closure of schools for classes 1 to 9 till January 31.
But, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s assessment later indicated that cases of omicron infection were not rising, and it had said the curve was flattening. This had prompted officials to propose reopening schools for physical presence.
On Monday morning, Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad congratulated students and parents on the re-opening of physical classes.
Gaikwad tweeted, “Best wishes to all parents and students in the form of physical classes again from today. We hope you enjoy your day in a safe environment. #BackToSchool. @scertmaha @CMOMaharashtra @msbshse, Gaikwad tweeted.
In Mumbai too, various schools resumed offline classes in the morning.
Last week, BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had said that pre-primary schools would also resume individual or offline classes.
While allowing schools to resume physical classes, the state government has asked them to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocol and guidelines.
On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 40,805 COVID-19 cases, taking its tally to 75,07,225, while 44 fatalities took the toll to 1,42,115, a health department official said earlier.
The official said that as on Sunday, the number of people affected by the new version is 2,759, of whom 1,437 have been discharged so far.
,