Uttar Pradesh issues SOPs for schools resuming primary, junior classes

LUCKNOW: The students of classes 1-8 will be allowed to attend the school only after the written consent of their parents and those willing to study from home should be allowed to do so, according to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the state government on Wednesday.
Junior classes are set to resume from August 23 while primary classes will reopen from September 1.
As per SOPs, only schools with high enrolment will be allowed to run in two shifts while others will have to conduct classes in one shift only.
Schools have been asked to avoid functions and celebration of festivals where physical distancing is not possible. Proper sanitization will have to be undertaken before and after the school.
The government has directed Schools to allow students to study from home if their parents are not willing to send them to school. Follow-up on the progress of learning outcomes of all such students should be planned appropriately by schools.

Releasing the SOPs, the basic education department asked schools to discourage awards and incentives for attendance. During admission to new classes, only parents/guardians will be consulted and children will not be required to accompany them as far as possible.
At least 6 feet distance should be maintained between students and if there are single-seater desks, schools will have to provide 6ft space between them. Similarly, physical/social distancing will have to be maintained in staff rooms, office, and common area.
In case a classroom is small, classes may be held in rooms with more space like computer room, library, laboratory etc where physical distancing is possible.
No event should be undertaken where physical distancing is not possible. However, school assembly may be conducted in classrooms or halls or outdoors under guidance of class teacher.
Prior to reopening, schools will have to collect a self-declaration from students, parents and teachers regarding their health condition and recent inter-state or foreign travel. Schools must display posters, messagesand signages at appropriate places reminding students about physical distancing on campus. Total ban on spitting has to be enforced on campus, the SOPs said.
On sanitization front, schools will have to ensure thorough cleaning of campus and disinfecting of furniture, equipment and all parts of the campus and ensure air flow in indoor spaces. No student should be involved in cleanliness drive and schools have been asked to ensure water, sanitation and waste management facilities along with compliance of cleaning and decontamination procedures.
As per the SOPs, schools must ensure proper handwashing facilities and availability of thermometers, disinfectants and soap. The SOPs also directs schools to ensure sanitization of school transport.