Kolkata

Schools in West Bengal reopened for classes 8-12 with COVID-19 protocols on Thursday.

Earlier on Monday, state chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced the reopening of schools for classes 8 to 12 from February 3.

"Schools in West Bengal for classes 8 to 12, colleges, universities to reopen from February 3," Banerjee had announced.

The West Bengal government had earlier decided to shut down schools and other educational institutes, spas, salons, beauty parlours, zoos, and entertainment parks from January 3 in view of rising COVID-19 cases.

Ashmita Shah, a 10^th standard student welcomed the reopening saying that she missed the school environment the most.

"When the lockdown was imposed, I was in 8th standards now I am in 10th standard. There is a mixed feeling but I am excited as I used to miss the school environment the most," she said.

Swati Sen Gupta, a teacher also expressed her happiness saying the reopening would be exciting for both students and teachers.

"It is really nice that school is reopening. It is going to be full of excitement for both students and teachers.

Asked about the experience in teaching offline and online class, Gupta said, "Offline class is definitely a better experience."