Centre issues SOP for reopening of schools: Here’s all you need to know

The Government of India is now following a phase-wise unlocking of several activities including educational institutions. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued SOP for the reopening of schools from Classes 9th to 12th on a voluntary basis. This would be allowed from the 21st of September.

The SOPs issued outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken when schools are allowing students (class 9th to 12th) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The government further instructed all the states and Union Territories to comply with the COVID-19 related guidelines.

The generic measures include:

• The physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
• Mandatory usage of face maks/covers.
• Everyone is instructed to wash hands with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty.
• Use of alcohol-based sanitizers
• Self-monitoring of health by all
• Spitting shall be strictly prohibited
• Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App is advised

All schools (with classes 9 to 12) shall specifically need to arrange
1) Online/distance learning shall be continued and encouraged

Also Read: ICMR issues new advisory on country’s COVID testing strategy

Before reopening of the schools, the schools are instructed to plan the reopening except the ones in the containment zones. Also, the teachers and students living in the containment zones are not allowed to attend school.

“Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations etc., including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces,” the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) announced by the Health Ministry states.

Schools used as quarantine centers shall be sanitized properly and deep cleaned before functioning is resumed.

Even for guidance, all senior students will not report to school together. Guidance activities will be staggered with students being allocated specific time for reporting.

All entry points to the schools will have hand sanitisers and thermal screening for temperature. To ensure that physical distancing of six feet is maintained, schools have been asked to draw markings on the floor in staff rooms, office areas, the mess, library, cafeteria, and also design classroom seating accordingly.

Upon reopening, morning assembly, sports, and any event or activity that could lead to crowding will not be allowed. Sharing of items such as class notes and stationery amongst students will also be prohibited.

•Detailed SOPs are available on the health ministry’s website mohfw.gov.in

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