“States/UTs to prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precaution for reopening of schools based on the SOP to be issued by DoSEL, @EduMinOfIndia. States/UTs may adopt or adapt the SOP as per local context and requirements,” the education minister said.

Students are permitted to go to school — strictly on voluntary basis. Students will have to get a consent slip from their parents to visit the schools from Monday. However, the students and teachers who live in the containment zones, are not allowed to attend schools from next week. “Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents. There will be flexibility in attendance norms. Students may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school,” the education minister said.

Schools are encouraged to form task teams such as — emergency care support, support/response team, hygiene team with certain responsibilities. While planning the seating arrangements, the authorities must maintain social distancing. The schools are advised to follow staggered entry and exit timings or separate exit and entry gates if feasible.

All the coronavirus preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, covering face with a mask or cover, washing or santising hands need to be strictly followed. Schools must arrange and implement thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationary, storage, water tanks, kitchens, canteens, washrooms, laboratories, libraries on the campus. Thermal scanners for screening the body temperature of students and teachers are mandatory at the school entrance.

The education institutes can plan the changes in the academic calendar, particularly the breaks and the examination schedules. “No assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening. Use of #ICT & online learning shall continue to be encouraged. The SOP also provides for guidelines on ensuring emotion well being of students and teachers with a reference drawn to #Manodarpan initiative,” the minister further added.

The schools and colleges have been shut since mid-March, owing to a nationwide lockdown to curb COVID-19.