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Following an increase in COVID-19 cases in the coastal state, the Goa government decided on Monday to halt schools and colleges till January 26.

On Monday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who presided over the COVID-19 Task Force meeting, assured reporters that the Goa government will also implement a night curfew.

State authorities claim that after the New Year's celebrations, the state's optimism rate has risen considerably. The state's current COVID-19 virus-positive rate is 10.7%, causing officials to be concerned.

Task Force member Shekhar Salkar told the reporters, “It has been decided to close the physical sessions for classes 8 and 9 in schools from tomorrow till January 26.”

On Sunday, 10.7% of people in Goa tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination would be required for students in grades 11 and 12 to attend school.

The Goa administration has decided to implement a night curfew in the state as a result of the unexpected increase of illnesses. An official added that an order for a night curfew will be issued soon, with the hours most likely being 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Salkar further said, “Once they are vaccinated, they need not attend the classes till January 26.”

He also stated that universities and colleges in the coastal area will be closed until January 26.

The state administration will release an order establishing a night curfew between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Monday or Tuesday, according to the source.

According to officials, the high number of visitors visiting Goa for Christmas and New Year celebrations this year has bumped up the state's infection-positive rate. According to media accounts, tens of thousands of visitors visited Goa in December.

According to him, the weekly COVID-19 positive in the state is about 5%, which is why the limits were put in place.

He also stated that the state government will impose limitations on indoor activities.

Although the number of COVID-19 cases in the state was large, the mortality and hospitalization rates were low, according to the official.

According to government statistics, Goa recorded 388 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections in the state to 1,81,570, with one death bringing the total to 3,523.