LUCKNOW: Only 50% students of a school will be allowed to attend classes on a particular day only with the written consent of parents. All will have to wear face cover and schools must avoid functions and celebration of festivals where physical distancing is not possible. Proper sanitisation must be undertaken before and after schools open.
These are a few of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday for reopening of junior schools from February 10 and primary schools from March 1.
The government has released a weekly class-wise timetable for attendance so that all classes do not attend school every day.
Classes 1, 5, and 6 will come on Monday and Thursday; classes 2, 4 and 7 on Tuesday and Friday while classes 3 and 8 will come on Wednesday and Saturday. Depending on the total enrolment, only 50% students will attend classes on a particular day. Schools should discourage awards and incentives for perfect attendance, the directive said.
Besides, students willing to study only from home with the consent of parents should be allowed to do so. Follow-up on the progress of learning outcomes of all such students should be planned appropriately by schools.
In school, there must be at least 6-foot distance between students. Desks in classrooms must also be placed accordingly. Physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office and other areas. If classrooms are not spacious, classes may be held in larger rooms such as library. Schools can run in two shifts in case of high enrolment. For new admissions, only guardians will be consulted. Children need not accompany them.
Spitting ban on campus, school transport to be sanitized too
While group activities must be avoided, assembly may be conducted outdoors, maintaining distance.
Before reopening, schools must collect a self-declaration from students and parents on their health condition and recent travels.
Posters should be put up at appropriate places such as classroom, library, washrooms, drinking water areas, parking, entry and exits reminding students about distancing. There will be a total ban on spitting on campus.
All schools must ensure thorough cleaning of campus and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, water tanks, kitchens, washrooms, among others.
No student should be involved in the cleanliness drive. Schools have also been asked to ensure water, sanitation and waste management facilities along with compliance of environmental cleaning and decontamination procedures.
All schools must ensure proper hand washing facilities and availability of thermometers and disinfectants.
The SOP also directs schools to ensure sanitization of school transport. After classes resume, schools must carry out frequent sanitization of commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs etc and all learning material.