Mumbai

Schools in Mumbai on Monday welcomed students of all classes as they reopened with stringent adherence to COVID-19 protocols

Students were welcomed by teachers at Sadhana Vidyalaya High School, Sion area with enthusiasm.

"We have welcomed students in our school today. We are strictly following the COVID-19 protocols. Social distancing is being maintained. Online classes will also continue," the Principal of the school, Swaroop Sawant said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aditya Thackeray has said that parents are free to make their own decisions about sending their children to school.

"Even though we are re-opening schools from tomorrow, it is not compulsory for students to come to school. Parents are free to make their own decisions in this regard and should send their children to school only if they feel it is safe," Thackeray told reporters on Sunday.

On January 4, the government had ordered schools in Mumbai to be closed amid rising COVID-19 cases.

On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 40,805 new COVID-19 cases taking the total tally of infections to 75,07,225.  There were 44 fatalities. Of the fresh cases in the state, Mumbai logged 2,550 new COVID-19 cases.

On January 16, Mumbai had reported 7,895 new cases.