Schools Reopening From Today In Several States: Check List, COVID-19 Rules & Guidelines

Many states in India have decided to reopen the school for the students of Class 9 - 12 while some have continued to keep it closed for another month.

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New Delhi: After being shut for almost six months, schools across several states in India are set to reopen their gates to the senior students from today i.e. September 21, 2020. While lifting the restrictions under the fourth phase of COVID-induced lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed schools to reopen but left the final call to the states. Following the instructions, many states in India have decided to reopen the school for the students of Class 9 - 12 while some have continued to keep it closed for another month. Delhi, Goa and Gujarat are among the states where schools will remain closed taking cognisance of the Coronavirus spread in the states. Check the complete list of states where schools will be reopening from Monday: Andhra Pradesh: Students of class 9 to 12 living outside the containment zones are allowed to the attend the schools to get their doubts cleared with their teachers, only after a written consent from parents. Meanwhile, the regular classes will remain suspended till September 30. Assam: The Assam government has decided to reopen the schools for Classes 9-12 for days, after which they will review the situation and evaluate accordingly. Haryana: In Haryana the students from classes 9-12 will have to bring a written consent from their parents before visiting the school. The schools have been directed to conduct the thermal scanning on the entrance of the premises. Himachal Pradesh: Schools in Himachal Pradesh will reopen for Classes 9 to 12 from Monday, September 21 only outside containment zones. Karnataka: The Karnataka government has allowed schools and Pre-University colleges in the state to open from September 21. The regulat classes will remain suspended however the students may visit the schools to clear the queries they have related to their studies. COVD-19 Rules & Guidelines To Follow The central government under unlock-4 released a set of rules and guidelines to be followed by the schools and students upon opening of the schools. SOP outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidelines are as follows:

• Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher – student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner.
• Students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the school.
• Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations etc, including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.
• Instead of biometric attendance alternate arrangements for contact-less attendance shall be made by the school administration.
• At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of 6 feet apart, wherever feasible. Scheduling of activities and seating plan shall be made accordingly. Ensure hand washing facilities along with provision of soap.
• Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited.