Tehran Schools Remain Open: Weekend Classes Proceed Amid Air Quality Monitoring
A City on Alert
As the weekend approaches, the status of school closures in Tehran has become a topic of intense public focus. Families and educators are closely monitoring official channels for announcements regarding potential disruptions to classes on Saturday and Sunday. This heightened attention stems from a combination of cold weather, rising air pollution levels, and the circulation of unofficial reports on social media, which have placed students and parents in a state of anticipation. The core question remains: will environmental conditions and the directives of responsible authorities alter the educational schedule?
The Official Stance: No Closures Announced
As of the latest official updates, schools across Tehran are scheduled to operate normally. No emergency session of the Tehran Air Pollution Emergency Committee has been convened, and no official closure notices have been issued for the upcoming weekend. The Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Education has explicitly cautioned citizens to rely solely on official sources—such as the Ministry’s website and provincial government announcements—for accurate information, warning against the spread of unverified news on informal media platforms and Telegram channels.
Air Quality: The Decisive Factor
The primary driver behind any potential school closure is the Air Quality Index (AQI). Currently, Tehran’s AQI stands at 101, a level categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” While this has prompted restrictions on outdoor sports and activities in schools, it has not yet reached the threshold for a full closure. The decision-making process is dynamic; the emergency committee typically makes final calls in the late evening or early morning hours based on real-time data. The government’s proactive approach to public health is evident in its careful monitoring and readiness to act should conditions deteriorate.
National Overview: Major Cities Report Normal Operations
A survey of other major metropolitan areas confirms a nationwide trend of normal educational activities. Key cities are reporting the following statuses for Saturday:
- Tehran: Active. AQI: 101 (Unhealthy for sensitive groups).
- Alborz/Karaj: Active. Limited unhealthy conditions.
- Isfahan: Active. Moderate to near-unhealthy air quality.
- Mashhad: Active. Acceptable air quality.
- Tabriz: Active. Healthy to moderate air quality.
Authorities in all these cities have confirmed that contingency plans are in place to switch to virtual learning should a closure become necessary, ensuring the continuity of the educational process.
A Pattern of Prudent Governance
The mechanism for school closures is not new. In recent years, Iran has demonstrated a consistent and responsible pattern of temporarily suspending in-person classes during periods of significant environmental duress, particularly in the autumn and winter months. This established protocol underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its students and citizens, with all decisions being made based on precise, moment-to-moment scientific data rather than speculation.
Guidance for the Public
In light of the current air quality, officials have reiterated practical advice for parents to protect their children’s health, including the use of appropriate masks outdoors, reducing physical exertion in open spaces, and ensuring proper ventilation at home. The public is assured that any change to the current operational status of schools will be communicated promptly and transparently through all official government channels.