The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued SOPs permitting the phased reopening of schools, colleges and higher education institutions from 21st September in line with the government’s Unlock 4.0 plan.
According to reports, a notice issued by the ministry on Tuesday stated that skill and/or entrepreneurship training will also be allowed from 21st September.
The ministry has also allowed the reopening of schools for classes 9 – 12 on a “voluntary basis” and only schools outside of containment zones will be allowed to reopen. However, students, teachers and staff living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend school. Online classes are also expected to continue.
According to the SOPs, the preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and must be observed by all faculty, employees, students and visitors at all times. These measures include physical distancing of at least 6 feet, mandatory use of face covers/masks, frequent handwashing with soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as well as strict respiratory etiquettes such as covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
Also, all entry points to the schools will have hand sanitisers and thermal screening for temperature.
