Delhi schools to stay closed till October 31 – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Delhi government has decided to extend the closure of schools at least till October 31. Under Unlock 5.0, the Centre has allowed state governments to resume physical classes at schools.

According to education minister Manish Sisodia, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that as a parent, he understands the seriousness of the Covid situation and it won’t be appropriate to take any risk with children’s health.

The directorate of education (DoE), in a circular issued on Sunday, said that following its circulars on June 30, July 31 and September 18, “it is informed that all schools will remain closed for all students till October 31. However, online classes and teaching-learning activities will continue and the heads of schools are authorised to call teachers and staff ” as per requirement.

The circular also stated that before starting any online activity, schools should send a message to students on the importance of wearing masks, following physical distancing and maintaining hand hygiene to combat Covid-19. “Teachers should motivate students to convey the message to parents and relatives,” it added.

Many principals have welcomed the decision. Ameeta Wattal of Springdales Pusa Road said, “The Dussehra break is starting in a few days. Opening schools and then shutting them after a few days will not be viable… So the decision taken by the government is correct.” She added that by October 31, the number of cases would hopefully come down and parents would feel confident to send their children to school.

Ashok Pandey, director of Ahlcon Group, said “the decision to send students to school is with the parents. But the situation in Delhi requires that health should be given priority”.

He added that the extra time given by the government would help schools a lot. “We are preparing to resume operations but we need more time to do so and build confidence among parents.”