Panaji, Mar 17 (IANS): In view of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Goa government on Tuesday cancelled examinations for all classes up to Class VIII.

An order issued by state Education Director Vandana Rao said that examinations from Class IX to XII, including Board examinations will however be conducted as scheduled with mandated precautions.

"In view of the latest guidelines of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued on March 16, regarding measures to be put in place for effective social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19, the following decision has been taken by the competent authority," Rao said in her order.

"Examinations for Classes up to VIII stand cancelled and the examinations for classes IX to XII including board exams will be held as per schedule of protocol of maintaining distance of one meter between the students to be followed strictly," the order added.

Last week Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in a partial lockdown of public spaces in the state in view of the pandemic.

However, until now, not a single positive case of coronavirus has been detected in the coastal state.