All schools under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will remain closed until December 31 in view of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the city. The schools were scheduled to reopen on November 23.
“The decision has been made following the increase in # COVID19 cases in Mumbai. Schools will not reopen on November 23,” Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar said today, according to ANI.
BMC officials have said the move reflects apprehensions about a possible second wave of the pandemic sweeping through the city.
Mumbai reported 924 new cases on Thursday, bringing its total number to 2.72,449. This was the highest daily count so far this week in the city. Its death toll has risen to 10,624 with 12 new deaths reported as of Thursday.
The Maharashtra state COVID-19 numbers on Thursday rose to 17,63,055 with the addition of 5,535 cases. It remains the worst affected state in India. The virus claimed 154 more lives, bringing the death toll to 46,356 by Thursday. The state’s recovery count increased to 16,35,971 while the active patient count is now 79,738.
While it previously announced November 23 as the reopening date for schools, the Maharashtra government had made it mandatory for teachers to undergo COVID-19 testing. It has also published guidelines that allow students to continue studying from home. Those seeking to attend school had to present a consent letter from their parents.
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