<span style="color: #222222;">In Maharashtra, schools from first to 12th are reopening from today. The State government had shut schools last month owing to a spike in Covid cases in the state.  <br />''<br />''The state government has entrusted the district administration to take a call on reopening schools by taking note of the Covid situation.  <br />''<br />''The decision to reopen schools from the pre-primary level has been taken after consulting the Covid task force for children.<br />''<br />''The state government has said asked students to maintain social distancing outside and inside the school premises. Besides, to always keep a bottle of sanitizer in the bag, wear a facemask, and check their body temperature after reaching school.<br />''<br />''The state government has asked for a consent note of parents before sending their wards to the school.  <br />''<br />''Also, the students have been instructed to sit at their designated place and not to exchange seats. Further, they have been told to not hug each other or give a high-five, wash their hands regularly with soap, and stay at home if they are feeling feverish.  <br />''<br />''State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the decision to reopen schools for primary classes to 12th standard was taken after giving a complete thought to the issue.<br />''<br />''Mr. Tope said, while the COVID-19 cases have increased over the past few days, 90-95 percent oxygen and ICU beds are vacant. He said, restrictions would be eased if the rate of hospitalization remains low.<br />''<br />''The minister also informed that 90 percent of eligible beneficiaries in the state have taken the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, while second dose coverage is in the 62-63 percent range.</span><br />