Schools in Delhi are set to reopen today for physical classes as the extended winter break ends. However, timings have been revised as a precautionary measure amidst the prevailing cold wave and foggy conditions in the national capital.Delhi schools to reopen today with new timingsAccording to a directive from the Education Department, no schools will hold classes before 9 AM or after 5 PM until further notice. This includes government, government-aided and recognised private schools nurseries, kindergarten and primary sections which are also resuming in-person learning.The order stated that all teaching and non-teaching staff must report to duty as scheduled even though student timings have been altered. Earlier, the Delhi government had announced on January 7 that winter vacations would be prolonged till January 12 for nursery to class 5 students given the harsh weather.Delhi shrouds with dense fogThe revised school hours aim to safeguard children from health hazards and exposure to extreme cold during early mornings and evenings. Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the season today at 3.5 degrees Celsius, with the mercury dipping further to 3.4 degrees in the Lodhi Road area.Dense fog engulfed most parts of Delhi-NCR severely reducing visibility. Doctors have advised avoiding early morning outdoor exposure as respiratory illnesses especially threaten children and the elderly.What new timing order underscoreEducational institutes are gearing up to welcome students back while ensuring adequate heating and ventilation facilities are functional. Regular sanitisation and COVID-19 protocol awareness drives are also underway.The government order has asked schools to ensure strict compliance with the 9 AM to 5 PM timeframe. The adjusted schedule will continue until the withdrawal of cold wave conditions which is not likely over the next few days. Timely action to mitigate health risks for students displays prudence by Delhis education authorities.
