April 17, 2021: Elementary Schools in districts which have reported more than 100 cases have been directed to be closed on account of the surge in Covid-19 cases in Assam, said Health and Education Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma.

"In view of the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases and the threat it poses to the well-being of small children, classes of all Elementary Schools will remain closed in all districts with more than 100 active cases," Sarma told reporters in Guwahati, as he, once again, ruled out a lockdown in the state.

“As of today, this includes Kamrup (Metro), Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Jorhat, Tinsukia, Cachar and Sonitpur districts,” said Sarma, addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday, regarding the Covid situation in the state. “We have authorised the deputy commissioners to close the LP schools as and when they find more than 100 active cases in their district,” he said.

"Classes in other districts - which have less than 100 cases - will continue for now, following all COVID-19 protocols," he said, adding, "In schools, we'll organise camps to vaccinate teachers over the age of 45 (and) in any other workplace having over 100 employees, we'll (also) organise vaccination drives."

He further added that a decision on the schedule of the State Education Board of Assam (SEBA) High School Leaving Certificate exams will be taken after the new government is elected on May 2. “By May 4 or 5, the announcement will be made,” he said, adding that the SEBA authorities would be discussing the matter in the next ten days.