Reopening of school—Uttarakhand issues SOP for schools ahead of expected reopening

Vinod Kakumanu
Oct. 31, 2020, 2:12 p.m.

To fortify the safety protocol and minimize the COVID-19 infection risk, the Uttarakhand state has issued detailed SOPs for schools that are scheduled to reopen from November 2. The schools in the state will reopen for classes 10 to 12 only.

The SOPs include the directions for the school management requiring them to maintain the standards of sanitation and hygiene and social distancing. The school campuses are supposed to be thoroughly sanitized every day, after every shift.

The provision of hand sanitizers and thermal scanners has to be ensured. It has been categorically stated that no student shall be admitted without thermal scanning. Besides that, the schools are advised to maintain multiple entry and exit points and they have been directed to restrict any activity or event that occasions large gatherings. Accordingly, sporting and cultural event organizations are kept off-limits.

Concerning the residential schools, the directions are to get every staff member and student checked for Novel Coronavirus infection and to submit the report of such tests to the Chief Education Officer of the district 72 hours in advance of opening the schools.

The children enrolled in residential schools are not obliged to come to the school. In case they choose to remain back at home, the school is supposed to provide for online classes.