The Karnataka government on Monday released standard operating procedures (SOPs) that must be followed as universities across the state are due to reopen on November 17 for the first time since the start of the pandemic. All staff and students will be required to undergo RT-PCR testing three days before the university reopens, in accordance with the new guidelines. The SOP says that university colleges should map the nearest primary health centers so that students and staff can take the tests for free.
In addition to the mandatory mask rule, teachers will also have to wear a visor. During the first reopening phase, universities will not be able to keep their cafeterias and libraries open, and this will be applicable until further notice. Class leaders have been asked to monitor their fellow students in case anyone exhibits any symptoms of COVID-19. Cultural activities and other activities like NCC and NSS cannot start now.
Additionally, the respective university authorities have been asked to regularly spray and disinfect door knobs, elevator buttons, handrails, chairs, and benches with disinfectants.
All educational institutions in the state have been closed since mid-March, when the state government announced a shutdown in the wake of the pandemic followed by stricter closures announced by the union government.
It should be remembered that the reopening of the faculties was decided on October 23 after a meeting chaired by the Principal Deputy Minister, Dr. CN Ashwath Narayan, who holds the portfolio of Higher Education.
As previously announced by the government, students can choose to attend classes online or offline as part of a blended learning process mode.
So far, schools in the state have been ordered to remain closed. The decision to partially reopen schools for standard students from 9 to 12 in October was postponed due to a series of cases between students and teachers in north Karnataka.
In early October, the Karnataka government adviser on education reforms, Professor MR Doreswamy, had also advised the government to reopen universities before reopening schools. He had said that in the next phase you can open colleges and schools only in the final phase.
