Centre Issues SOP For Reopening Of Schools For Classes 9-12 From Sept 21

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Centre has allowed partial resumption of activities in schools for classes 9-12 students from September 21, the Union Health Ministry informed on Tuesday and issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for school operations amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a release, the Ministry said that the generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (teachers, employees and students) in these places at all times.

i. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
iii. Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible.

xi. Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited.

xii. The school should display State helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities etc. 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 24-30° 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.

xiv. Lockers of students will remain in use, as long as physical distancing and regular disinfection is maintained.

xv. Gymnasiums shall follow MoHFW guidelines.

xvi. Swimming Pool (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.

Only asymptomatic persons (teachers, employees and students) to be allowed on the premises. If a teacher/employee/student is found to be symptomatic, he/she should be referred to the nearest health center.

Posters/standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently. Proper crowd management in the parking lots, in corridors and in elevators - duly following physical distancing norms shall be organised. The entry of visitors should be strictly regulated/restricted.

Conduct of guidance activities in the rooms or open spaces within the school campus

Seating arrangement to ensure a distance of 6 feet between chairs, desks etc. Staggering of guidance activities to be done, with separate timing slots, to allow for adequate physical distancing and disinfection of classroom premises.

The teaching faculty will ensure that they themselves and students wear masks throughout the conduct of the teaching/guidance activities. Sharing of items like notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle etc. amongst students should not be allowed.

Conduct of skill based training in workshops/laboratories

For practical activities in laboratories maximum capacity per session based on redesigned spaces, may be planned and scheduled accordingly.

Ensure that the equipment have been disinfected, particularly the frequently touched surfaces before and after each use.

Ensure a floor area of 4m' per person is available for working on equipment/work station.

Ensure that members sanitize their hands before and after using training equipment For such purpose hand sanitizer should be provided at workstations/simulation labs etc.

Reopening of Schools: Click HERE for the guidelines in detail.