All Schools in Delhi to be Closed till Sunday: Sisodia

NEW DELHI:
The Delhi government today announced that all schools in the national capital will remain closed till Sunday in view of the “unbearable” air pollution.
The air quality in Delhi is turning worse, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. “Can’t compromise with the health of children. All schools including private and government will remain closed till Sunday for all the classes,” Sisodia said in a series of tweets.
The government had yesterday directed that primary schools would be closed today. It had also ordered suspension of outdoor activities for secondary classes. The decision came after the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 448 in a scale of 500, entering ‘severe’ category.
Today, the AQI was worse at 484. “The air pollution has become unbearable affecting all.
It has engulfed the city. The reasons for this may be varied from stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab to vehicular/ construction pollution but the fact remains that it is affecting the health of Delhi’s citizens,” an official order from Sisodia’s office said today. “The situation shall be reviewed on Sunday,” it added.
Indian Medical Association said Delhi was witnessing a “public health emergency” and appealed to the Delhi government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children. In a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, IMA National President Dr KK Aggarwal and the Secretary General Dr RN Tandon, said children are “especially at risk” in air quality ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘severe’. The IMA mentioned in the letter that when Air Quality Index (AQI) levels cross 200, it is “generally advised” that time spent outdoors be restricted.
The association has also urged organisers of the Delhi half marathon and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking cancellation of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon because of the increased pollution levels in the air. The event is scheduled to be held on November 19.