A day before the resumption of individual lessons for classes I-XII in schools, the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed in both schools and colleges.
Officials including deputy directors of health, corporation health officers and municipal health officers have been asked to ensure that schools and colleges strictly adhere to the SOPs in their respective jurisdictions.
In a circular, the Director of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine said that all eligible staff should be vaccinated with two doses and all adolescents in the 15-18 age group should also take note of the same.
Schools and colleges have been asked to ensure COVID-19-appropriate behavior including wearing face masks at all times and washing hands at regular intervals. Group lunches are not allowed on the premises.
disinfection measures
Campuses should be disinfected twice a day, and students and staff members should be screened for fever before entering. Anyone with symptoms should undergo an RT-PCR test for the virus and remain in quarantine till the test results come. Those who test positive should be isolated and treated as per the guidelines, and any contact who develops symptoms should also undergo testing.
There should also be prominent signs and signs on the premises to ensure physical distancing norms and safety protocols in classrooms, washrooms, entry and exit points. It is recommended to mark the queues and separate lanes with arrows for entry and exit. Institutions are expected to sensitize students and parents before reopening, informing them about the best practices to be followed for safety and hygiene in the campus.
Teachers and students living in containment zones have been asked not to come to schools or colleges until their condition improves. Employees at higher risk, including older workers, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions, have been asked to take extra precautions.
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