All schools here and in Karaikal re-opened on Monday with adherence to COVID-19 safety norms. The schools remained shut for nine months due to the pandemic-induced lockdown. Today, the institutions re-opened for half-a-day from 10 AM to 1 PM. Students were subjected to thermal scanning to assess their body temperature, a source said.

The premises of schools were disinfected as per the standard operating procedures before being re-opened. Attendance was not insisted upon and letters of consent from parents were made necessary. Already, students in standards X, XI and XII have been attending classes from December 17in view of the public exams in the next few months. Full-day classes would be held from January 18. Attendance ranged between 80 to cent per cent, the source said.