Schools to reopen from October 15 in a phased manner — here are the latest government guidelines

• According to Unlock 5.0 guidelines released earlier, the government has allowed schools to operate from October 15.
  
• However, the final decision to reopen the schools remains with the state government.
  
• Students can attend school only if their parents sign a written consent.
  
  

The Education Ministry has released comprehensive guidelines for reopening schools and colleges in the country in a phased manner. According to Unlock 5.0 guidelines released earlier, the government allowed schools to operate from October 15. However, the final decision to reopen the schools remains with the state government.

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

• 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.
• No assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening. Use of ICT and online learning shall continue to be encouraged. The SOP also provides guidelines on ensuring emotional well being of students and teachers with a reference drawn to ‘Manodarpan’ initiative.
• Schools to arrange and implement thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, storage places, water tanks, kitchens, canteen, washroom, laboratories, libraries etc on the school campus.
• Schools to form Task Teams such as Emergency Care Support/Response Team, General Support Team for all stakeholders, Commodity Support Team, Hygiene inspection Team etc.
• Social distancing to be ensured while planning seating plan, functions and events to be avoided, staggering of entry and exit timings and points of schools, staggered time tables.
• All students and staff to wear a mask or a face cover, especially when in class, or doing any activity in groups such as eating in mess or working in laboratories.

Schools and college campuses in India have been shut since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March.

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