CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has decided to reopen all schools for primary classes from January 27. Students of classes III and IV will be allowed to attend school from January 27 and those from classes I and II from February 1. The government has already allowed opening of classes from V to XII.
The schools will open from 10am to 3pm daily and parents will have to provide a written consent before sending their wards for in-person classes.
Punjab education minister Vijay Inder Singla directed the education department officials and school managements to ensure proper cleaning of premises and strict compliance of Covid-19 safety norms. He said detailed guidelines will also be issued soon to all district education officers and these will be circulated to all government, aided and private schools.
As per the standard operating procedures, there must be at least 6 feet distance between students and schools have been advised to mark seats that students have to occupy. To ensure proper distancing, only one student will be allowed to sit on a bench, while other protocols like using sanitisers and wearing masks will be followed strictly. Regular sanitisation of school transportation -- once before children board the transport and once after -- has been made mandatory.
Each school has been asked to ensure availability of key supplies like infrared digital thermometers, disinfectants and soaps.