Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Directorate General of Health Services
(EMR Division)
SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers: In the context of COVID-19
1. Background
Government of India is following a phase-wise unlocking of activities. In days to come, this would also involve partial resumption of activities in schools for students of classes 9th to 12th on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. This would be allowed from 21st September 2020.
2. Scope
This SOP outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken when schools are permitting students (for 9th to 12th class) in the specific context detailed at para-1 above, to prevent spread of COVID-19. All States/UTs are expected to comply with the COVID-19 related guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
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4. All schools (with classes IX to XII) shall specifically ensure the following arrangements
i. Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
ii. Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians.Such visits and teacher – student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner.
4.1 Before opening up of the school
a) Planning of reopening of school
i. School outside the containment zones only shall be allowed to open. Further, students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the school. Students, teachers and employees shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.
ii. Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations etc., including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.
iii. Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitized and deep cleanedbefore partial functioning is resumed. Guidelines issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for disinfection of common public places including offices may be referred to in this regard)
(https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesondisinfectionofcommonpublicplacesincludingoffices.pdf)
iv. The concerned teaching and non-teaching employees (up to 50 % of the strength) may be called to schools for online teaching/tele-counselling and related work.
v. Students from class 9th to 12th will have the option of attending the classes remotely/virtually or physically only on a voluntary basis for guidance from their teachers subject to written permission of parent / guardian.
vi. Instead of biometric attendance alternate arrangements for contactless attendance shall be made by the school administration.
vii. 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.
viii. Ensure hand washing facilities along with provision of soap.
ix. For ensuring queue management, inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of 6 feet may be made. Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas (including reception area), and other places (mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc.)
x. 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.
xi. Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited.
xii. The schools hould display State helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities etc. to teachers /students / employees to contact in case of any emergency.
xiii. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
xiv. Lockers of students will remain in use, as long as physical distancing and regular disinfection is maintained.
xv. Gymnasiums shall follow MoHFW guidelines (available at:
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesonyogainstitutesandgymnasiums03082020.pdf).
xvi. Swimming Pool (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
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Click to download the SOP. pdf
