Schools and other educational institutions in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar will remain closed from April 9 to 15 in view of ongoing Kumbh Mela and the rise in cases of COVID-19. The order was issued by the District Magistrate of Haridwar C Ravishankar on Thursday.

Uttarakhand reported 787 new COVID-19 cases, 265 recoveries and three deaths in the last 24-hours.

The Kumbh Mela commenced earlier this month in normal circumstances. Kumbh continues for nearly four months but this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration of the congregation has been curtailed to one month.