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NEW DELHI: Schools, cinemas and swimming pools may reopen in India after a months-long coronavirus lockdown, the Home Office said on Wednesday (September 30), even as experts warn that the vast nation is in way of becoming the most infected.
India, home to 1.3 billion people, has recorded more than 6.2 million cases so far, second only to the United States, and more than 97,000 deaths.
But the government has gradually restarted activities to save an economy badly hit by closure, with millions of people, particularly the poor, losing their livelihoods.
Classes for 14-17 year olds were allowed to resume in some states last week, but the new announcement affects all schools.
“For the reopening of schools and training institutions, the governments (of the states and territories) have had the flexibility to make a decision after October 15 … gradually,” the ministry said in a statement.
Some high school students in some states in India have already returned to the classroom, but now schools will be allowed to reopen more widely. (Photo: AFP / Biju Boro)
Online and distance learning “should be encouraged” and students cannot be forced to attend classes, he added.
Institutions of higher education remain closed, although some graduate and research students in science and technology courses could return to the labs.
Cinemas in the movie-obsessed country will be able to reopen at 50% capacity, while swimming pools can be used for sports training.
International commercial flights remain suspended, although limited services have been operating, many to allow citizens to return to their home countries.
READ: New Delhi Loses Cleaner COVID-19 Shutdown Air As Farmers Burning Crop Waste
Trains, subways, domestic flights, markets and restaurants have already reopened or resumed service, with some restrictions.
The virus initially affected major metropolitan areas, including the Mumbai financial center and the capital, New Delhi.
But it has since spread to regional and rural areas where health systems are even more fragile and irregular.
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