However, only schools outside the containment zones will be allowed to open. Assemblies, sports, and events, which can lead to overcrowding, are strictly prohibited in schools that choose to start operations. The government also said that online or distance learning will continue to be allowed and will be encouraged.
“Students in classes 9-12 will be allowed to visit their school on a voluntary basis to receive guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to the written consent of your parents / guardians. These visits and the teacher-student interaction should be organized in a staggered manner ”, indicate the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, students, teachers, and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend school. Students, teachers, and employees should also be warned not to visit the areas within the containment zones as per Ministry of Health guidelines, adding that schools that were used as quarantine centers will be properly disinfected and thoroughly cleaned. before partial operation resumes.
Only asymptomatic persons (teachers, employees and students) will be allowed to enter the school premises according to the guidelines. If a teacher / employee / student is found to be symptomatic, they should be referred to the nearest health center, per SOPs.
The guidelines stated that concerned teaching and non-teaching employees (up to 50% of the force) can be called up to schools for online teaching / tele-counseling and related work. In addition to mandatory masks, following regular hygiene, respiratory regulations, and hand washing in schools, the Ministry of Health said that at all times, teachers and students must maintain a physical distance of 6 feet, provided that may be possible. The seating arrangement should ensure a 6-foot distance between chairs, desks, etc.
The Ministry of Health has reported that if the weather allows it, the outdoor spaces can be used for interactions between teachers and students, taking into account the safety of the students and the protocols of physical distancing.
“Periodic cleaning and disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, chairs, benches, bathroom accessories, etc.) will be mandatory in all classrooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas, etc. before classes begin and at the end of the day, “say the guidelines.
As during the covid-19 pandemic, there have been cases of mental health problems among students, the Ministry of Health has said that schools should ensure that regular counseling is provided to students and teachers who report mental health problems such as anxiety. and depression. It is wise for teachers, school counselors, and school health workers to work in unison to ensure the emotional safety of students, SOPs say.
Similar SOPs were also issued on preventive measures to contain the spread of covid-19 in skills training or entrepreneurship institutions, higher education institutions conducting doctoral courses, and postgraduate studies in technical and professional programs that require laboratory / experimental work. .
India continues to grapple with the pandemic as the number of COVID-19 cases increases. The total case count on Tuesday reached 42.85,174 with 73,208 people succumbing to the highly infectious disease. According to the health ministry, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the five states that account for 62% of active cases. Maharashtra’s share is around 27% of total active cases, which in absolute terms is 2.37 lakhs. Apart from this, almost 70% of COVID-19 related deaths are also reported in 5 states, namely Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
“The states where active cases are mostly concentrated are also, more or less, those that concentrate the majority of deaths. Therefore, from the perspective of public health, it is important to take actions focused on these states, both by the State and the Central Government. “said Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary.
India has been actively involved in the development of the covid-19 vaccine. The government said on Tuesday that Russia has requested India’s help in manufacturing vaccines by Indian companies and conducting Phase III studies in India. Furthermore, India attaches great importance to the request for a special friend and on both fronts there has been considerable progress. “We are working with this vaccine candidate for manufacturing, as well as for testing and regulatory facilitation, in a spirit of partnership and science for humanity. The reach has been extended to vaccine manufacturers in India, “said VK Paul, NITI Aayog Member (Health).
“About four of them have already come forward, the others are in talks with the Russian counterparts and the government is facilitating that process of creating a connection. There may be specific results very soon in that regard. India can manufacture such a vaccine in large and significant quantities. On the regulatory front, Indian scientists have analyzed the data. There would be a need for Phase III trials in the normal course of things, “he said.
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