PANAJI
The Education Department on Monday issued generic preventive measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spread among the students, teaching and non-teaching staff in schools following the partial reopening of schools for Class X and XII from November 21.
The department has stated that the school managements would be responsible for adherence to all safety guidelines and heads of institutions have been asked to implement the circular strictly.
A checklist for safe school environment has been attached with the circular for schools, parents as well as for students
In the circular issued by the department, Education Director Santosh Amonkar has instructed every school to observe the comprehensive list of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which outline the precautions to be taken during the planning of the reopening of schools, scheduling of activities, availability and management of supplies, conductor skill-based training in workshops and laboratories, transportation to and from schools, general hygiene and sanitation as well as specific guidelines for Class X and XII.
Schools have been asked to call students to the premises in a staggered manner with not more than 12 students being made to sit in one classroom ensuring strict maintenance of physical distancing of six feet between students. However, if sufficient accommodation is available, a proportionate number of students may be allowed.
Specific guidelines have been released for regular disinfection of the school premises, surfaces as well as equipment in laboratories and for maintaining a back-up of medical devices, personal protection items and dustbins for proper disposal of items.
Schools have been asked to install a thermal scanner at the entrance, exit and common place in the premises besides providing facility for hand sanitization. All visitors including staff members have been asked to download the Arogya Sethu App.
Schools have also been asked to sensitize students against gathering in crowds at any point of time, to use face masks, to sanitize their hands and not to exchange personal belongings. Additionally, the schools have also been directed to sensitize all stakeholders about the ban on spitting.
Cleanliness of the premises and especially of the toilets has been stressed upon. In case any student refuses to cooperate, schools have been told to seek assistance from parents. Provision of soaps in toilets has been highlighted and the use of 70 per cent alcohol wipes to disinfect teaching materials has been suggested.
It has been further suggested that important responsibilities may be distributed among “task teams” consisting of teachers and willing students. However, schools have been told not to involve students in cleaning activities.
Physical education activities have been excluded. However, schools have been allowed to conduct yoga training with the students bringing their own mats.
Morning assembly, gathering and functions have been cancelled unless these are convened in an open theatre albeit subject to a ceiling of 50 students in attendance. However, celebration of national days has been allowed in a staggered manner.
Schools have been asked to frame their own guidelines about the use of playground, library and laboratory, break time, regular cleaning and disinfection of school infrastructure, use of school transport, private pick-up and drop-off, monitoring of absenteeism, visitors entering premises as well as dealing with emergencies.
Schools have been told to refrain from exposing employees, who belong to any of the high-risk categories, to any front-line work requiring direct contact with students.
