Guwahati, Mar 14 (IANS): The Assam government on Saturday directed all educational institutes to suspend morning assemblies, exhibitions and excursions for a month immediately as part of preventive measures against coronavirus.

The circular issued by the state education department called for sensitisation of students about hygiene and respiratory etiquettes.

"There shall not be any form of morning assembly in schools, colleges, higher educational institutions, no exhibitions, shall be organised, no excursions or exposure visits shall be undertaken by the schools, colleges and higher educational institutions," said the education department circular.

It called for "awareness, sensitisation of the students and enforcement of preventive interventions amongst the students by the teachers such as frequent hand wash,.respiratory etiquettes (using handkerchief over mouth while coughing and sneezing) and avoid large gatherings".

The heads of the institutions have been asked to ensure the required sanitation measures were in place.