In view of the rising Covid-19 cases, the Delhi government on Tuesday ordered closure of schools and other education institutions in the city.
The decision will affect students of classes 6 and above who had started attending in-person classes just two weeks ago on December 18 after being shut for a while due to rise in air pollution levels. Classes 1 to 5 remain shut though they were allowed to reopen from December 27 as the city government announced early winter break for students of lower classes till January 15.
“All government, government-aided, unaided recognised, NDMC, municipal and Delhi Cantonment Board schools will remain closed till further orders. However, online teaching-learning activities, examinations and related activities such as practicals, projects, and assignments for classes 9 to 12 would be conducted as per schedule,” read an order issued by the Directorate Education, Delhi.
With the latest curbs, all schools will remain shut until further orders. The schools, however, can continue with online learning activities. They can also keep the office open for CBSE Registration work, examinations and other related activities including project and assignments for students of classes 11 and 12.
The government decided to enforce fresh restrictions following the biggest single-day spike in Covid infections in six months on Monday, when 331 new cases were reported. Also,
Delhi’s share of Omicron cases has jumped from 2% two weeks ago to nearly 30% now.
The back-to-back closures of schools have been affecting not only students but school managements as well. Since April this year, schools in the city have been shut at least four times on concerns of Covid as well as air pollution. While the frequent closure of schools affects the mental well-being of students, it’s a logistical nightmare for school managements as they have to redo all the arrangements they have made to resume full-fledged sessions.