With the ease of restrictions in ‘Unlock 4’ guidelines, the central government has announced the partial reopening of schools for class 9 to class 12 on a voluntary basis.
The union home ministry on Tuesday has informed that schools can resume their activities from September 21.
The ministry has also issued guidelines related to the smooth functioning of schools in the midst of Corona Virus breakout. In the guidelines, there is no word regarding the opening of schools for younger students.
In the detailed guidelines, the government has clearly mentioned that older students “will be permitted to visit schools on a voluntary basis” i.e. the final decision is still being left on parents, who have to provide written permission to their kids.
For now, the government in standard operating procedures (SOPs) stated that only 50% of teaching and non-teaching staff will be allowed in the schools.
Only asymptomatic people (Teachers, employees, and students) will be allowed inside the school premises according to the guidelines.
Apart from this, the school has to maintain strict social distancing norms. masks, regular sanitization, respiratory etiquette are also made compulsory.
Seating arrangements will be made in such a way to ensure the physical distance of six feet between two desks.
Further, schools that were used as quarantine centers will be sanitized properly before their activities resume. Also, students, employees, and teachers coming from containment areas cannot attend school.
The schools were abruptly shut down in March due to the outbreak of novel Coronavirus and during this pandemic. Students have also suffered from mental health issues. The health ministry has advised schools to organize a proper counselling session for students to ensure their emotional well-being.
This month, the government has been conducting competitive national level exams for medical and engineering courses with full safety measures.
