SOPs for partial reopening of schools for Classes 9-12 issued

The Centre on Tuesday issued standard operating procedures for partial resumption of teaching activities in schools for students of Classes 9 to 12, on a voluntary basis, from September 21. In a statement, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the precautionary measures include teachers, employees and students ensuring physical distancing of at least six feet, use of face covers, frequent hand-washing, following respiratory etiquette, self-monitoring of health, and not spitting. This will be subject to written consent of parents or guardians. And during the time students visit schools teacher-student interaction must be organised in a staggered manner. Only the schools outside the containment zones will be allowed to open. Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitised and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed. Instead of biometric attendance, alternate arrangements for contactless attendance shall be made by the school administration.