Centre Issues SOP For Partial Reopening Of Schools For STD- 9-12 From 21 Sept.
Issuing guidelines, the Centre said students of Classes 9 to 12 can visit schools on a voluntary basis from September 21. Part of the precautionary measures, the centre said teachers, employees and students must ensure physical distancing of at least six feet
Part of the precautionary measures, the centre said teachers, employees and students must ensure physical distancing of at least six feet. Other strict measures include face mask, frequent hand-washing, following respiratory etiquette, self-monitoring of health, and not spitting in public.Even though the schools across the country will remain closed till September-end, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for partial resumption of teaching activities in schools for students of Classes 9 to 12“The Centre is following a phase-wise unlocking of activities. In days to come, this would also involve partial resumption of activities in schools for students of Classes 9th to 12th on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. This would be allowed from 21st September 2020,” Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said in a statement.
The Health Ministry said that schools have been asked to ensure that online or distance learning should continue and that students of Classes 9 to 12 should be permitted to visit their school on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers.
As per the guidelines, schools outside the containment zones only will be allowed to open. Students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend. Students, teachers and employees will also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.
Moreover, the schools which were used as quarantine centres must be properly sanitised and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed. The teaching and non-teaching employees concerned, up to 50 per cent of the strength, may be called to schools for online teaching or tele-counselling and related work.
The Health ministry said that instead of biometric attendance, alternate arrangements should be made for contactless attendance by the school administration. At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of six feet apart, wherever feasible.
Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited. The school should display state helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities to teachers, students, employees to contact in case of any emergency.
For air-conditioning or ventilation, the guidelines of thee CPWD shall be followed, providing that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degree Celsius, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70 per cent, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross-ventilation should be adequate.
