Schools to reopen partially: All you need to know

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PANORAMA

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released fresh SOPs on Sept 8, for reopening of schools as a part of Unlock 4.0. The schools which were closed since March due to pandemic-induced lockdown will reopen partially with effect from September 21, 2020.
The five-page document released by the MoHFW lists basic measures and guidelines which need to be followed by teachers, students, and other non-teaching staff while attending the school.

Here is all you need to know

Visit voluntarily

Only students of classes 9 to 12 will be permitted to visit the school on a voluntary basis with a written permission/ consent of parents or guardians.

50 per cent capacity

As per the guidelines, the school will reopen with 50 per cent capacity for teaching and non-teaching staff.

No students/ teachers from containment zones

Schools only outside containment zones will be allowed to reopen for students. Any student, teacher, or any non-teaching staff from the containment zone won't be allowed to attend school. Also, students and teachers are advised not to visit containment zones while visiting a school.

Sanitising the school campus

Schools which were used as quarantine centres and isolation wards during the lockdown period would need to be sanitized properly. It must be deep cleaned as per the SOPs released by the government.

Use of face cover, social distancing

Mandatory use of face mask/ cover, maintaining physical/ social distance, frequent hand washing and self-monitoring of health would be the top priority. In case of any illness, one must immediately be reported.

Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing

One needs to be extremely careful about covering their mouth and nose while sneezing, coughing, and disposing the tissues off carefully.

Temperature checks, thermal screening at entry gates

Strict temperature checks and thermal screening will be done at the entry gate. Schools are also advised to provide (if possible) separate gates for entry and exit. Schools are advised to regulate visitors to maintain the maximum physical distance and ensure there is no overcrowding in any part of the school campus.

Temperature settings of classrooms

The temperature setting of all air conditioning devices in the classroom should be in the range of 24-30o C., The relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%. More emphasis should be on ensuring fresh air for students. Cross ventilation should also be adequate.

Aarogya Setu app

Students may also be encouraged to install and use Aarogya Setu app.

No sports period, no school canteen

Amongst others, the SOPs have also forbidden sports periods during this time. School canteens will also remain shut and there won't be school assembly or gatherings.