BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Opening dates of the new semester for colleges and universities should be, in principle, no earlier than the effective control of the novel coronavirus outbreak, China's Ministry of Education said Monday.

After the students return to the campuses, strict measures should be taken to step up management, the ministry said.

Different regions should make scientific plans in accordance with local epidemic situations, the ministry said, noting that the opening dates of schools should be staggered.

The ministry also urged efforts to improve the online education platforms, calling for reforming the content of courses and innovating teaching methods.