Teachers at Beijing's primary and middle schools should not offer new classes to students before the start of the upcoming semester, according to the capital's education authority on Tuesday night, as schedules have been postponed due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The first day of school for the spring semester in Beijing was originally scheduled for Monday, but it has since been postponed. Instead, millions of primary and secondary students can study through online courses beginning Monday, according to the city's education commission.

The commission said the capital's schools should encourage teachers to screen out appropriate learning materials for students based on their learning habits.

"Students at different ages have their own learning requirements, and teachers should provide guidance for students and help students study independently at home,"said Li Yi, spokesmanfor the Beijing Education Commission.