The Ministry of Education has released guidelines for reopening of schools in a graded manner from October 15.
Informing this, Union Cabinet Minister for Education Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tweeted stating that states and Union Territories are to prepare their own Standard Operating Procedure for health, hygiene and safety and learning with physical/social distancing.
As per the latest guidelines, the students may also opt for online classes rather than physically attend school, and that precautions must be taken for preparing and serving mid-day meals in the schools.
Discussing the guidelines, the Education Minister further stated that students will only attend the school physically with the consent of their parents. Those who do not wish to go to school can continue taking online classes. The schools, on the other hand, will have to ensure flexibility in attendance.
Below mentioned are the other guidelines regarding the reopening of schools after the COVID-19 pandemic:
SOPs for school reopening:-
The schools will have to arrange and implement proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures for premises. Ground, classes, furniture, storage places, water tanks, washrooms, every place on the school campus will be disinfected thoroughly.
There should be proper air flow in indoor areas.
Schools are advised to form task teams like emergency care and support, hygiene inspection, commodity support among others.
Time of entry and exit for everyone attending school will have to be planned and social distancing will have to be maintained. Therefore, schools will have to come up with a new seating arrangement that fits the social distancing guidelines.
During all activities in schools, all staff members, workers and students will have to wear a face cover/ mask at all times.
Academic calendar will have to be planned including all classes, breaks and examinations.
It is the duty of the school to collect information on the current health status of students.
Schools should have all contact information of nearest emergency centres, and healthcare centres.
If in case, anyone is showing symptoms for COVID-19 infection, detention and isolation protocols have to be followed as directed by the government.
All precautions will have to be taken while preparing and serving midday meals in schools. The government suggested that provided meals should be hot and cooked properly.
