Govt guidelines for reopening of schools post COVID third wave

Ground Report | New Delhi: Guidelines for reopening of schools; as Covid cases scantily see a dip, numerous states have started to reopen schools in the country. The Ministry of Education granted guidelines for the reopening of schools on Thursday. Guidelines have been prepared in meeting with the states regarding the reopening of schools. Procedures for school reopening will include precaution, timetable, assessment, emotional and mental health.

We share these guidelines, which are advisory in nature, and states are free to frame their own guidelines accordingly, said the Education Ministry. These guidelines contain all the SOPs for attending classes. Students can opt for online education.

School reopening guidelines issued by Central Government, to ensure and monitor proper arrangements for cleanliness and hygiene in the school.

• Maintaining a distance of at least six-feet between students in the seating plan

• Social distancing will have to be followed in staff rooms, office areas, assembly halls and other common areas.

• Use Physical Distancing Instead Of Social Distancing.

• The announcement comes after schools have fully opened in 11 states and partially opened for higher classes in 16 states.

• Interestingly, the central government has asked to use 'physical distancing' instead of 'social distancing.

• He has asked the schools to make unique markings to manage the queues under physical distancing.

• Apart from this, schools have also been directed to take necessary precautions for children with co-morbidities.

• The Center said that the driver and conductor of the school living in the Containment Zone should not be allowed to board the vehicles.

• Schools should be flexible, staggered and have less time for different classes.

• Also, students wishing to study from home may be allowed to do so with the consent of their parents.

Talking about vaccination, the government said that so far 95% of teaching and non-teaching staff in schools have been vaccinated against COVID-19. "Some states have achieved 100% vaccination coverage."

According to the government, 34 states and union territories, including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, are reporting a decline in the number of Covid-19 cases and positivity rates.

On the other hand, states like Kerala and Mizoram are still registering a surge in cases and positives. Schools in West Bengal reopened from today, February 3, for classes 8 to 12. For students in classes 10 and 12 who are due to sit for board exams this year, the government has allowed all classes practical and theoretical. Teaching and non-teaching staff were able to join the schools from February 2.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has also confirmed that the Maharashtra Board Examinations 2022 for classes 10 and 12 will be taken in offline mode (pencil and paper).

In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases, speculation abounded that the Maharashtra HSC exams and SSC 2022 exams will be taken online, however, board officials addressing a journalist today clarified that both exams will be carried out in pencil and paper mode as programmed before.

Earlier, the Center reported that 34 states in the country are registering a decrease in Covid cases and the positivity rate. However, the government also noted that states like Kerala and Mizoram are witnessing an increase in the number of cases and positivity.

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