• Government has allowed schools to partially reopen in India for classes 9 to 12 from September 21.
  
• Students who seek guidance can visit the school with the permission of their parents or guardians.
  
• At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of 6 feet apart.
  
• Here are the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  

After six months of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are partially reopening in India for the students of class IX to XII. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allowed resumption of schools from September 21. And, they will have stringent guidelines to ensure social distancing.

Online classes will continue, however, students who seek guidance can visit the school with the permission of their parents or guardians. Those who visit will be given a specific reporting time and will have to wear a mask all the time.

Here are the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare —

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• Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
• Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to the written consent of their parents/guardians.
• Only schools outside the containment zones will be allowed to open. Further, students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the school.
• Instead of biometric attendance alternate arrangements for contactless attendance shall be made by the school administration.
• At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of 6 feet apart, wherever feasible. Scheduling of activities and seating plan shall be made accordingly.
• Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilized for conducting teacher-student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols.
• Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited.
• Swimming Pool (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
• The entry of visitors should be strictly regulated/restricted.
• Gyms can open and will follow SOP issued by the ministry.
• Sharing of items like a notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle etc. amongst students should not be allowed.
• Ensure regular counselling is done for students and teachers reporting mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Students should not be involved in any of the cleaning activities for health safety reasons.
• Teaching materials, computers, laptops, printers, shall be disinfected with 70% alcohol wipes.
• Cafeteria/mess facility, if any within the premises, shall remain closed.

Check the detailed standard operating procedure here.

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