SCHOOLS, EXPERTS LAUD CALL TO KEEP IN-PERSON CLASSES GOING IN THE CAPITAL

NEW DELHI: School administrators in the Capital on Wednesday welcomed the Delhi Disaster Management Authority’s decision to keep schools open for offline classes despite the increase in Covid-19 cases over the past week, with some reports suggesting that one reason for this was the reopening of schools.

DDMA also decided during its meeting on Wednesday to prepare standard operating procedures (SOP) for schools for better management and prevent Covid cases in educational institutions. The SOPS are awaited.

Bharat Arora, president, Action Committee of Private Unaided Schools, a consortium of private schools in the Capital, said the Covid situation in the city did not warrant a closure of schools. While sharing the findings of a survey conducted across private schools, Arora said: “Out of around 138 schools, only six schools reported Covid cases and the number of Covid cases ranged between 1 and 2. This demonstrates that the situation is still in control.”

Experts have said that most infections in schoolchildren under the age of 12 years (the age group not eligible for vaccination) are likely to be asymptomatic, with very few children exhibiting symptoms and even fewer requiring hospitalisation. Most attribute the spike in cases in the Capital to the removal of the mask mandate, and said that it was possible to keep schools open, and allow other business, economic, and social activities to go on, as long as Covid-19 safety protocol was followed. Prime among these are masks.

Former Indian Medical Association president Dr JA Jayalal supported the DDMA move to not close schools, noting that it is not required as long as school premises are well ventilated and students wear masks. “In most cases, they will end up with mild symptoms. Everyone should wear mask in large gatherings,” said Jayalal.

Educators also point to the fallout of online or hybrid classes, which typically put children from underprivileged backgrounds at a disadvantage. “Closure of schools is not the solution. Neither will schools be comfortable with the hybrid mode of classes. It is difficult for the staff to conduct classes simultaneously both offline and offline. Hence, we appreciate that no restrictions have been imposed on schools,” said Arora.