shimla schools in himachal pradesh on monday resumed physical classroom studies for class 8 students after a long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic earlier schools had reopened for students of classes 9 to 12 from september 27 the decision to open schools for classes 8 to 12 was taken by the state government after taking into consideration the covid19 situation in himachal pradesh and the positivity rate the education department is allowed to open schools from class 8 onwards on all working days by following covid19 standard operating procedures sops and safety guidelines according to a government notification issued on october 8 to ensure all sops including staggering of students are followed principals and headmasters are authorised to implement micro plans prepared by them for their respective school according to availability of accommodation it said