Schools make masks mandatory as COVID-19 cases spike in Delhi

With changing weather, coronavirus cases are rapidly rising in the capital. Stating the need to be alert, many schools have also sent an advisory asking students to stay home if they are unwell or even have symptoms.

Amid the rising cases of the coronavirus, many Delhi schools have already made masks compulsory for students and staff members. The steps are being taken as a precaution against COVID-19 spread. With changing weather, coronavirus cases are rapidly rising in the capital. Stating the need to be alert, many schools have also sent an advisory asking students to stay home if they are unwell or even have symptoms. Schools are also directing teachers to avoid mass gatherings and promoting social distancing among students.

The chairperson of the National Progressive Schools' Conference, Sudha Acharya, told TOI that most member schools had already resumed the practice of wearing masks at all times on the premises. "We are also advising children to maintain social distance and make use of touch-free hand sanitisers available at different places," said Acharya, principal of ITL Public School Dwarka.

However, government schools in Delhi have not implemented any COVID-19 measures as it has not received any such circular regarding advisory against coronavirus spread from Directorate of Education (DoE). DoE has, however, asked schools to stop assemblies in the afternoon shift due to the rising heat and introduce water breaks at regular intervals.

"The rise in temperature in NCR has led to increased instances of heat-related illnesses like exhaustion, dehydration, diarrhoea and vomiting. Since children are among the most vulnerable groups, all heads of schools are directed to adopt measures for the protection of children from heat-related illnesses," stated the circular. The measures include water breaks during classes, and advising students to wear traditional headgear/cap, use umbrella and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Delhi on Wednesday reported 1,149 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, while the positivity rate stood at 23.8 per cent. The tally was 200 more than Tuesday's tally of 980. The latest spike is the highest since August 20, when it had reported 1,109 fresh cases.

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