Fact Check: Delhi Schools To Remain Closed Till November 8 Due To Air Pollution?

The pollution levels in Delhi shot up again on Sunday morning, with the air quality bordering the 'severe plus' category at several places. A light drizzle on Sunday morning did nothing to provide respite from the air pollution affecting the national capital. Weather experts said pollution levels shot up overnight due to calm winds leading to accumulation of pollutants. Meanwhile, as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed at worrying levels, a message started circulating on WhatsApp groups and social media that government has extended the holiday in schools for the week.

The message, with a purported letter by Delhi government, said that all schools in Delhi will remain closed till November 8 due to deteriorating air quality. Delhi government on Friday has decided to keep schools closed till Tuesday, November 5. However, Delhi Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia made it clear that the closure of schools has not been extended.   

He tweeted, "Fake letter circulating on social media regarding school college closure till November 8. So far schools have been closed till November 5; any further decision shall be communicated through proper channels only. All are advised not to believe on such fake letters or news.

Fake letter circulating on social media regarding school college closure till November 8.
So far schools have been closed till November 5; any further decision shall be communicated through proper channels only.

All are advised not to believe on such fake letters or news.

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) November 3, 2019

All schools in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad will remain closed till Tuesday, November 5. While schools were already ordered to remain closed till November 5 in Delhi, on Sunday the neighbouring districts of Gautam Buddh Nagar- which included Noida and Greater Noida- and Ghaziabad also declared holiday in all schools till Tuesday.