The Union health ministry on Tuesday issued detailed guidelines for partial reopening of schools for students of Class 9 to 12 on a voluntary basis from September 21.
According to the guidelines, while online learning will continue be allowed and encouraged, students of Class 9 to 12 will be permitted to visit their school for taking guidance from their teachers. However, this will be subject to written consent of their parents or guardians. Besides, such visits and the teacher-student interaction must be organised in a staggered manner.
Only those schools which are outside the containment zone will be allowed to open. Students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the school. Also, only asymptomatic students and teachers will be allowed in the school premises.
Hand hygiene and thermal screening facilities should be arranged at the entry points. Multiple gates, if possible, should be used for entry and exit.
"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 ministry said.
Schools that were used as quarantine centres should be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed.
Instead of biometric attendance, alternate arrangements for contactless attendance should be made by the school administration, the ministry said, adding that the teachers and students should maintain a physical distancing of six feet.
"For ensuring queue management, inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of 6 feet may be made. Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas (including reception area), and other places (mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc.)," the ministry said.
Outdoor spaces can be utilized for conducting teacher student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols, it said.
Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding have been strictly prohibited. The schools 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/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30o C, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate,” the guidelines said.
The ministry has directed school authorities to display posters on preventive measures about COVID-19 prominently on the premises. The teachers should ensure that they themselves and the students wear masks throughout the conduct of the teaching activities. Sharing of items like notebook, pen, pencil, eraser water bottle among students will not be allowed.
While suggesting daily cleaning of the floors, the ministry said there should be provision for soap in toilets and hand sanitizers in other common areas. Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces should be made mandatory in all class rooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas and other common areas. Teaching material, computers, laptops and printers should disinfected with 70 per cent alcohol wipes.
SOP to be followed in case a student/teacher/employee develops symptoms
i. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
ii. Inform parents/guardians as the case may be.
iii. Patient will remain isolated while wearing a mask/face cover till such time they are examined by a doctor.
iv. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
v. A risk assessment shall be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, their contacts and need for disinfection.
vi. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
