Delhi Schools to be closed or not – a decision on how classes would continue is expected today, on April 20, 2022. Delhi’s COVID cases have crossed a positivity rate of 7%. Amidst all this, DDMA is holding a meeting today to take a call on the course of action. Meanwhile, experts and doctors don’t want schools closed.

Delhi Schools to be closed or not – it is a question that has bugged many stakeholders over the last few days. Delhi’s COVID cases have worried many, even as the hospitalisations remain under control. Taking note of all this, Delhi Disaster Management Authority, DDMA is holding a key meeting today, on April 20, 2022.
While DDMA’s meeting is expected to highlight some key points on the national capital’s COVID situation, it is also expected to lead to the announcement of fresh guidelines for Delhi Schools. Sources have suggested that the meeting is expected to discuss online/offline/hybrid mode of teaching as well, in the event of rising COVID cases in Delhi.
To recap what has been happening, many Delhi, NCR schools have reported COVID infections in students and staff members. Many institutes then tried to be more vigilant and immediately resorted to stricter COVID safety protocols. All this happened alongside Delhi government issuing new guidelines for schools and some NCR regions like Gurugram making masks mandatory.
After speaking to some experts we infer that Delhi Schools, however, are largely against closure. The academic and learning loss has been a worrying factor and many have suggested that following safety measures is the best step forward.
Delhi Schools to be closed? Here is what experts have to say
Dr. Sarita Sharma, Senior Consultant, Pediatrics, PSRI Hospital Delhi shares, “COVID cases are definitely increasing in children – Infectivity is more but severity is less, not requiring hospital admission. Only those kids with underlying chronic illnesses like chronic kidney, liver or cardiac diseases may need hospital admission and close monitoring.”
On the situation of Delhi Schools she says, “School closure is not the solution, it should not be a knee jerk reaction, last 2 years has already taken a toll on the psychological and social development of kids. Instead of being apprehensive about sending kids to school, parents should avoid taking them to malls, movie halls and social gatherings, should teach their kids to follow COVID appropriate behavior.”