Tamil Nadu claims 100% vaccination of government school children

Amid rising cases of the novel coronavirus, India commenced the COVID-19 vaccination drive for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years. 

Omicron Scare: Tamil Nadu government claims 100% of students of government schools falling in the age group of 15-18 years are now vaccinated. Amid rising cases of the novel coronavirus, India commenced the COVID-19 vaccination drive for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years. The government approved only Bharat Biotech's indigenously made shot ‘Covaxin’ for vaccinating this age bracket as ordered by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan. On December 25, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced to vaccinate 15 to 18 years children against COVID-19 during his address to the nation. States were asked to enforce and prepare separate queues and vaccination teams for the 15-18 age group to avoid confusion with the vaccination process of all adults. States such as Chandigarh, West Bengal, Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana were among the first few to commence the COVID-19 vaccination drive for the 15-18 age group.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the country are shut amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. However, various states are conducting online classes to curb academic losses.

The Tamil Nadu government in its recent order announced the closure of schools in the state for all classes. The government has declared a holiday until January 31 for school students including the students of Classes 10 and 12 in the wake of surging COVID-19 cases. The order released by the government further added that examinations scheduled from January 19 for students of Classes 10 and 12 have also been postponed.

While the state government had already announced holidays for the students of Classes 1 to 9, physical classes were being conducted in schools only for those studying in the 10-12 class. However, considering the health and welfare of students against the increasing number of COVIS-19 cases along with the Omicron scare, the government released an official circular stating, “Holiday is declared for students of all classes including those in grades 10, 11 and 12 till January 31.”

The release further said that the authorities would announce fresh dates later for the examinations scheduled during this period for the students of Classes 10 and 12.

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