India: Schools, cinemas and swimming pools to reopen gradually

Schools, cinemas and swimming pools will be allowed to reopen in India after a months-long coronavirus lockdown, the Home Affairs Ministry said.

Classes for students aged 14 to 17 were allowed to resume in some states last week, but the new announcement affects all schools.

“For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, (states and territory) governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after Oct. 15… in a graded manner,” the ministry said in a statement, cited by the AFP news agency said.

Online and distance learning “shall be encouraged” and students cannot be forced to attend classes, it added.

Experts warn that India is on track to becoming the world’s most-infected country of COVID-19.

India has recorded more than 6.2 million cases so far and more than 97,000 deaths.