Closing schools not a solution amid Covid-19 spike

Delhi schools will be taking preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 cases, however, there is no chance of shutting down the schools.

Covid-19 has again become a reason of concern as the number of cases is rising. Schools in Delhi will be following guidelines again to curb the spread of infection. Unlike previously, schools will not be closed now. Instead, a particular classroom where someone tests positive will be sealed.

It is explicit that closing schools is not the solution. According to Shubhi Soni, Head of The Shri Ram Wonder Years, Rohini, coronavirus will never go but the hysteria around it will end. "It will be reduced to an endemic, influenza and seasonal flu in the coming years. The government's decision to make mask-wearing optional in public places is the reason behind the current spike in Covid cases.

"We must not wait for the situation to get worse and strict protocols should be enforced in full swing without any delay to control the situation," Soni said. She said the parent community will panic if their child's health is affected.

"The move, in such a scenario, should be to allow a blended approach to learning that is, starting three days of offline schooling and two days of online schooling in a staggered way.

"School closures, in any way, are not the solution as the students have backtracked in learning and it has taken a huge toll on their social and emotional well-being," she said.

The number of school students testing positive has been on the rise in the city, raising concerns among parents. The Delhi government has told school authorities to close specific wings or classrooms wherever needed.