New Delhi, Sep 9
The Union Health ministry has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for “partial reopening” of schools outside Covid containment zones to offer guidance to students of Classes XI to XII who voluntarily turn up with written consent of parents from September 21.
Under the SOPs, various generic precautionary measures to be adopted are given in addition to specific measures to be taken when schools are permitting students to prevent spread of Covid-19.
The teaching and non-teaching employees — up to 50 per cent of the strength — may be called to schools for online teaching and related work.
However, the students will have the option of attending the classes remotely/virtually or physically only on a voluntary basis for guidance from their teachers subject to written permission of parent/guardian.
All States/UTs are expected to comply with the Covid-19 related guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Students of Classes IX to XII will observe physical distancing of at least six feet, use of mandatory face covers/masks and frequent handwashing with soap.
Under the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Health Ministry, spitting shall be strictly prohibited and
installation and use of Aarogya Setu App has been advised wherever feasible.
Education Ministter Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Wednesday said the Government of India would follow a phase-wise unlocking of activities from September 21 involving partial resumption of classes for students of Class 9th to 12th on a voluntary basis.
“Government of India 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, for taking guidance from their teachers.”
He said in a series of tweets “The SOP outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken by schools to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
Also favoured are use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, strict following of respiratory etiquettes such as covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow, and self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App has been advised wherever feasible.
