A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on reopening of schools, colleges and coaching institutes in Delhi from September 1
According to the order, up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the seating capacity of the classroom will be allowed and there will be a gap of at least one hour between the morning and evening shift schools.
Meanwhile, the children have been asked not to share their food, books and other stationery items with each other and advised to keep the lunch break at different times in an open area, this will prevent the gathering of a large crowd of children together at one time and will help to maintain social distancing, mentioned the DDMA order.
It has been also said that the seating arrangement should be done in such a way that there is a gap of one seat between the two seats. Teachers, staff or students living in the Containment Zone will not be allowed to come to school stated the order.
Children are required to get parental approval to attend school. If any parent does not want to send his child to school, then he will not be forced to do so, it added. It will be mandatory to make a quarantine room in the school premises, where any child or staff can be kept if required.
Other than that, thermal scanning is compulsory at the entry gates. Masks will be necessary for the children as well as the staff members; also, the hands of the children will be sanitized at the entry gate itself.
According to this order, the Head of School has been asked to conduct a meeting with the School Management Committee (SMC) members, COVID-19 protocol plan.
The order has also asked to make the common area of the school to be cleaned regularly which needs to be ensured properly. In the school premises, there should be a provision of soap and water in the toilets as well as the availability of thermal scanners, sanitisers and masks etc.
School heads will also have to ensure that all teachers and staff coming to the school are vaccinated, if they are not, then their vaccination has to be given priority. For entry and exit, separate points for entry exit will be made and civil defence staff will be deployed.
