The novel coronavirus has greatly affected normal life in India. Over 75 people have so far tested positive for the virus in the country and many others have been quarantined.
In Maharashtra after three more people tested positive on Thursday evening, there are now 14 cases. This includes nine people in Pune, three in Mumbai, one person in Thane and one person in Nagpur. While Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged citizens to keep calm and get themselves tested if necessary, schools in the state have begun taking action.
In Pune three schools decided to stay shut for the next few days. The schools, located in the Sinhgad Road area took the precautionary measure after five people in the city tested positive for the virus. The number has since risen.
These are, DSK School, Nanded City School and Pawar Public School.
With three people testing positive in Mumbai and another in Thane, the city has now followed suit. Most pre-primary schools in the city have temporarily shut their doors, and two other schools have entered into a state of "lockdown" until the end of the month.
These are Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai's Fort area and the Dhirubhai Ambani International School near BKC.
This however does not mean that education will be put on a hiatus. Aside from the continuation of ICSE and ISC exams as well as IB Std XII mock exams, teachers will "conduct their lessons on a regular basis".
According to Mrs M. Isaacs, the Principal of Cathedral School, "we will continue teaching by moving onto online platforms".
A circular sent out by the school, adds that the students would be given assignments during the course of their remote study and would be assessed upon their return.
"Teachers will conduct their lessons on a regular basis, sharing presentations, videos, and other resources on online platforms like Google Classrooms, Hangouts and Zoom," the circular said.
The notice also warned that the topics taught during this time would not be repeated.
(With inputs from agencies)
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