Coronavirus: Delhi Schools, Colleges Shut Till March 31

Coronavirus: The Delhi government had shut the primary schools earlier this month.

New Delhi:

After declaring coronavirus as an epidemic, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said schools and colleges where no examination is underway will be closed in the national capital. Earlier, the government had announced holiday for all primary schools and Anganwadis operating in the state till March 31, and the secondary classes in schools were left open in view of the exams.

"Delhi govt has declared Coronavirus an epidemic. We need to exercise abundant caution to contain the disease. All cinema halls, schools, colleges in Delhi will be shut until 31st March, but exams will continue as scheduled. People are advised to stay away from public gatherings," the chief minister said in a tweet.

The chief minister made the announcement after meeting Delhi Lt-Governor Anil Baijal.

He said there are sufficient beds for quarantine facilities.

"Empty flats of DUSIB and under construction hospitals will also be readied," he said.

The Delhi government's move came as the number of people affected by coronavirus in the country rose to 73, Kerala had the most cases -- 17. Several states, including Kerala, have also shut educational institutions and crowded places like cinema halls.

In Maharashtra, where 10 cases have been reported, the government has banned ticket sales for the 2020 Indian Premier League opener between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The match was to be held on March 29.

Delhi govt has declared Coronavirus an epidemic. We need to exercise abundant caution to contain the disease. All cinema halls, schools, colleges in Delhi will be shut until 31st March, but exams will continue as scheduled. People are advised to stay away from public gatherings. pic.twitter.com/2vHyinNKAP
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 12, 2020