There is no chance of Delhi schools – shut since March due to the Covid pandemic – re-opening any time soon, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told Tuesday evening, as the national capital battles a third – and most severe, so far – wave of infections.
“No chances of schools opening soon. No parent would want to send their children until they are assured that they will be safe,” Mr Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, said. He also pointed out that no parent would risk their children’s health at this time.

Late last month the Delhi government said all city schools would remain closed till further notice. At the time Mr Sisodia said the decision was based on feedback from parents. “We keep getting feedback from parents… they are concerned about whether it is safe… it is not,” he had said then.

As part of the latest “unlock” guidelines, the centre has allowed schools (outside containment zones) to re-open for Class 9 to 12. A number of provisions were suggested to minimise the spread of the virus, including staggered timings, but the final decision was left to state governments.

Mr Sisodia also called on Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to “not give political statements (but) take action” over ICU hospital beds to be supplied by the central government.

“I request Dr Harsh Vardhan not to give political statements (but) take action as health minister. It has been 10 days since you (the centre) promised ICU beds and we have got only 200. He should fulfill the commitment,” he added.

Delhi has been battered by a relentless surge in fresh cases over the past few weeks. The city has added over one lakh since November 1 and an average of over 6,000 per day in the past week.

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