Schools in India's capital to remain closed

Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-28 21:18:34|Editor: huaxia
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NEW DELHI, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Schools in the Indian capital will remain closed until further orders in wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Wednesday.

"Keeping the pandemic in mind, several parents and teachers have suggested that schools should not be reopened anytime soon," said Sisodia. "Reports suggest that wherever schools were reopened, an increase in the number of cases was observed in those countries."

Authorities in Delhi have earlier issued directions for closure of all schools until Oct. 31.

Following the nationwide lockdown imposed in March to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Delhi and other states and union territories were closed.

"Due to Corona in Delhi, all schools will remain closed till further orders. Currently, online, semi-online studies will continue," Sisodia added.

On Tuesday federal Ministry of Home Affairs extended the guidelines for re-opening until Nov. 30. The government's guidelines for further relaxation of COVID-19 lockdowns said the decision for opening schools and coaching institutions in a graded manner can be taken by the states "in consultation with the respective school/institution management, based on their assessment of the situation."

However, if students prefer to attend online classes, they would be permitted to do so.

The guidelines, however, said attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent.

The Delhi region has reported 364,341 confirmed COVID-19 cases including 6,356 deaths.

On Wednesday federal health ministry said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 7,990,322 including 120,010 deaths.

Globally India is the second worst-hit country in the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem

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