Coronavirus: School students to be promoted without exams in UP
What's the story
In Uttar Pradesh, all government school students from Classes I-VIII will be promoted to the next class without having to appear for their final examinations.
The decision was taken in light of an outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, which has infected 15 people across the state.
The highly-contagious disease has been deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Details
UP had previously shut schools, canceled exams
After the UP government's move to shut all educational institutions till April 2, the administration has decided to promote all government school students from Classes I-VIII without examinations.
An order to this effect was issued by Additional Chief Secretary Renuka Kumar on Wednesday.
The students will now be evaluated based on their annual performances instead.
Notably, the government had on Tuesday canceled all examinations.
Information
High school, intermediate examination results to be delayed
Reportedly, the UP government has also delayed the evaluation of answer sheets for high school and intermediate examinations till April 2, which will lead to the postponement of results announcement. The decision was taken as teachers were avoiding evaluation centers due to the outbreak.
Outbreak
Coronavirus cases jump to 147 nationwide; 15 reported in UP
In UP, a total of 15 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported, including a junior doctor at Lucknow's King George's Medical University (KGMU).
Thus far, five people have recovered from the disease in the state.
According to the Union Health Ministry, 147 cases have been reported across India thus far, including foreigners. Out of these, 14 have recovered, and three have died.
Information
Three deaths reported from Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra
Among the three deceased is a 76-year-old man in Kalaburagi, Karnataka; a 68-year-old woman in Delhi; and a 64-year-old man in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Maharashtra has notably recorded the most number of positive cases: 41.
Coronavirus
What is the coronavirus outbreak?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December.
It has since killed over 8,000 and sickened 2 lakh people across roughly 150 nations worldwide.
The disease is caused by a virus, SARS-CoV-2, which impacts a host's respiratory system.
It causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Severe cases witness pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death.