China's Ministry of Education has called on local departments concerned to ensure school classrooms are warm enough during winter.

Temperatures can fall well below zero degrees Celsius in north China, where regulations stipulate that classrooms and dormitories should be kept at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Local administrations have been urged to offer more financial support for school heating in impoverished regions with long winters, according to a statement released by the ministry Friday.

Schools should repair doors and windows and those with adequate resources should consider allocating funds specifically for heating.

The ministry called on school staff to regularly check heating and ventilation systems.

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