Delhi Schools reopen even as air quality remains poor, students advised to wear anti-pollution masks

Delhi - NCR Schools Closed Until 15th Nov - Get Details Here

Delhi Schools to Reopen Today: The schools in the national capital reopen today after being closed for 5-days due to hazardous air quality in the city. While the AQI index uplifted from the critical level on Tuesday, the air quality in Delhi still remains poor. As per the advisory released by the Directorate General of Health Services, Govt. of NCT Delhi, students are advised to wear anti-pollution marks to and from schools. In line with Delhi Government, Schools in NCR towns of Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram and Baghpat are also expected to be reopened soon.

Air Quality Improves in Delhi NCR

While the overall air quality in Delhi – NCR has improved drastically on Tuesday, it is still in the ‘very poor’ category as per the AQI Index. Going by the AQI numbers, the overall index was reported at 370 i.e. very poor category at 7 AM on Tuesday – 5th November 2019. This is a considerable improvement in the air pollution levels from Hazardous category on Sunday with AQI of 494 and Monday’s Severe Category AQI of 407.

Situation still Unsafe for Students

While there is an improvement in the Air Quality Index in Delhi – NCR region, the index is still in ‘very poor’ category. Experts have termed the air pollution level as severe and called the situation unsafe for school students. In such scenario, parents and students have been eagerly waiting for any official confirmation regarding extension in School holidays from Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia.

Manish Sisodia refutes rumours about holiday extension

Earlier on Sunday, a fake letter started circulating on the internet stating that holidays for Delhi School students have been extended until 8^th November 2019 in the wake of severe hazardous air quality in the Delhi – NCR region. However, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia refuted the rumours on twitter confirming that the holidays are only limited to 5^th November 2019. After that, the government will review the situation and decide if holidays are to be extended.

Outdoor Activities suspended in Haryana Schools

On similar lines, Haryana Government has issued an official notification asking all schools based in the state to suspend outdoor activities for students. Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala announced the decision on Saturday – 2^nd November 2019 confirming that the Education Department has been asked to ensure that open activities are restricted in the schools across the state. Haryana CM also confirmed that the Education Department has been asked to ensure that air pollution does not affect the health of children.

Delhi Government issues Health Advisory

Following EPCA’s declaration of Public Health Emergency in Delhi – NCR, Delhi Government issued a detailed health advisory with a list of dos and don’ts for people to combat the ill-effects of air pollution. As part of the health advisory, Delhi Government has asked people to stay indoors and ensure minimum exposure to the hazardous air outside. Furthermore, the health advisory has also asked the citizens of Delhi to avoid prolonged exposure to bad air and avoid avoiding physical exertion and exercise outside. The health advisory has also asked people to wear anti-pollution masks to protest themselves against the hazardous air.

Delhi Government Health Advisory – List of Do's:

• Remain indoors, or reschedule outdoors activities
• Consult the nearest doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, irritation in eyes (red or watery)
• Persons with airway, lung or heart illnesses should keep their medication readily available
• If using masks, use certified N95 masks and follow user instructions. Simple paper and cloth masks are not effective.
• Continue use of clean smokeless fuels gas or electricity for cooking and heating purpose
• Use public transportation

Delhi Government Health Advisory – List of Don'ts:

• Don't burn leaves, wood, agriculture products, garbage
• Don't go to places with heavy traffic and areas near polluting places, construction sites etc.
• Don't go for morning and late evening walks, run, jog and physical exercise
• Don't open doors and windows during morning and late evenings
• Don't smoke cigarettes, bidis and related tobacco products
• Avoid driving cars, scooters and other motorised vehicles

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