Schools in Mumbai to remain closed till Dec 31: BMC

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday anunced that schools in city will remain closed till December 31, a change from earlier decision to reopen m from vember 23, as metropolis witnesses an urd trend in COVID-19 cases.

However, schools in or cities of Maharashtra can reopen as per schedule taking into account local conditions and prevailing pandemic situation, an official said.

Schools in Maharashtra, which are shut since March due to coronavirus outbreak, were set to reopen for Classes 9 to 12 from vember 23, post Diwali-holidays.

"COVID-19 cases are on rise in city. Some schools were used as testing and quarantine facilities amid pandemic.

"To prevent furr spre of infection, we have decided to keep schools closed till December 31," Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar said.

After recording 409 new coronavirus cases on vember 16, lowest daily count since April, city registered 541, 871 and 924 fresh infections on vember 17, 18 and 19, respectively.

Meanwhile, schools in or cities of state can reopen as per schedule, official said.

"Schools in or parts of state can be reopened from vember 23 if local conditions are favourable," said senior official from school education department.

If re are cases or very few infections, n local authorities such as municipal commissioners or district collectors are empowered to reopen schools, he ded.

Schools in state have remained shut for nearly eight months due to COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, and classes are being conducted online.

Earlier this month, Maharashtra government h anunced that schools will reopen for Classes 9 to 12 from vember 23 with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place.