As examination centres are frequented by a large number of students as well as their guardians and staff until the entire duration of the exam. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on preventive measures to be followed while conducting examinations to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The generic measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of Covid-19. These measures need to be observed by all (staff, students and parents) in these places at all times. These include maintaining physical distancing of at least 6 feet as far as feasible, mandatory use of face covers/masks, frequent hand-washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers (for at least 20 seconds) wherever feasible.
Health Ministry issues SOP on preventive measures to be followed while conducting examinations to contain the spread of #COVID19
SOPs state, arrangements for personal protection gears like masks, hand sanitizers etc. to be made available by the relevant authorities pic.twitter.com/8V2d7R0Ke4— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2020
If any transportation is arranged by educational institutions conducting examinations, proper sanitization of buses/other transport vehicles shall be ensured.
All staff that is at high risk (older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions) shall not be deployed for invigilation/conduct of the examination. Such staff should preferably be deployed in tasks not requiring direct contact with the students.
Students and staff should be advised to dispose of used face covers/masks in covered bins available at the centre. The waste thus generated may be disposed off in accordance with the hazardous waste disposal guidelines.
For pen & paper-based tests, the invigilator will sanitize his hands prior to distribution of question papers/answer sheets. The examinees will also sanitize their hands before receiving such papers and handing them back to invigilators. The collection and packing of the answer sheets, at every stage, will involve sanitization of the hands. The answer sheets will preferably be opened up after 72 hours have elapsed post collection of papers.
Respiratory etiquette to be strictly followed by the students and the staff which involves strict practise of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest,” add the SOPs. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. Installation and use of Aarogya Setu app shall be advised to all, as far as feasible.
Only those examination centres which are outside the containment zone shall be allowed to function. Staff/examinees from containment zones shall not be permitted. Such examinees shall be given an opportunity to undertake the examination through other means or the Universities/Educational Institution shall arrange for taking the exam at a later date for such students.