Delhi shuts schools for teaching, non-teaching staff

Days after the schools in the national capital were closed for students amid the fear of the coronavirus spread, the Delhi government on Thursday closed all the schools for the teaching and non-teaching staffs as well.

In an order dated March 19, the Delhi Directorate of Education said in the view of the spread of Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and for taking precautionary measures, all the Heads of Government, Government Aided, Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Directorate of Education, and Local Bodies -- MCDs, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board of Delhi are hereby informed that all these schools will remain closed for all the students, Heads of Schools, Teaching and Non-teaching Staff from March 19 to 31.

"The ongoing annual examinations are also postponed from March 19 and 31. However, the evaluation work of annual exams are to be carried out by the concerned teachers from their home," the order reads.

The DoE directed that all Heads of schools and staff must be available on phone and remain connected with each other and students through electronic media.

"Also, they should remain at home and not leave station without prior permission and be available for duty at any time, if required."

It also said that the revised schedule for conducting the Common Annual School Examination for Government and Participating Government Aided Schools in District North-East & District East also stands postponed till March 31.

Also, the Delhi government on Wednesday has called a meeting on March 26 to discuss measures that can be taken if need arises to keep schools closed after March 31 in view of coronavirus outbreak.

"As per the current plan, schools are likely to reopen on April 1 and resume normal teaching and learning in new academic session if situation becomes normal. However, in case we need to close schools further, we need to have an alternate plan so that academic loss of students can be minimised," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said in an official order on Wednesday. IANS