School Education - COVID -19 pandemic - The Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 - Disaster Management Act, 2005 - “Unlock 4.0” - Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers - Detailed guidelines issued - Regarding.
Memo Rc.No.151/A&I/2020 Dated:23/09/2020
Read: -
1) This office Procgs.Rc.No:151/A&I/2020, Dated:09.07.2020, 25.07.2020, 06.08.2020 and 24.08.2020.
2) G.O.Rt.No:390, Health, Medical & Family Welfare (B2) Department, GoAP., Dated:07.09.2020.
3) Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for partial reopening of schools issued MoHWF (EMR) Division, GoI, Dt:08.09.2020. 4) This office Procgs.Rc.No.151/A&I/2020, Dated:10.09.2020.
In continuation of the orders issued in the references read above, all the Regional Joint Directors of School Education and District Educational Officers in the State are aware that, Government of India is following a phase-wise unlocking of activities. Further, in Unlock 4.0 the Government has issued detailed guidelines for partial reopening of schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. Accordingly, detailed guidelines were issued for partial reopening of schools in the State of Andhra Pradesh w.e.f. 21st September 2020.
Further, the MoHWF, GoI in the context of COVID-19 has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. All the Headmasters, Teachers etc. are requested to follow the guidelines specified below in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
GENERIC PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
The generic preventive 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 (teachers, employees and students) in these places at all times. These include:
a. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
b. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
c. Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.
d. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice 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. f. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
ALL SCHOOLS (WITH CLASSES IX TO XII) SHALL SPECIFICALLY ENSURE THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS:
Online / distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher - student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner.
Before opening up of the school Planning of reopening of school:
a. School outside the containment zones only shall be allowed to open. Further, students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend the school. Students, teachers and employees shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.
b. Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed. Guidelines issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for disinfection of common public places including offices may be referred to in this regard)
(https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesondisinfectionofcommonpublicpl acesincludingo ffices.pdf)
c. The concerned teaching and non-teaching employees (up to 50 % of the strength) have to attend schools for online teaching/tele-counselling and related work.
d. Students from class 9th to 12th will have the option of attending the classes remotely/virtually or physically only on a voluntary basis for guidance from their teachers subject to written permission of parent / guardian.
e. Instead of biometric attendance alternate arrangements for contactless attendance shall be made by the school administration.
f. At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of 6 feet apart, wherever feasible. Scheduling of activities and seating plan shall be made accordingly.
g. Ensure hand washing facilities along with provision of soap.
h. Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilized for conducting teacher student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols
i. Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited.
j. The school should display State helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities etc. to teachers /students / employees to contact in case of any emergency.
Planning and scheduling of activities:
All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the students.
iGOT online modules training course on ‘basic awareness on COVID’ https://diksha.gov.in/igot/explorecourse/ course/do_313010389971255296164) may be undertaken by all employee and students during online interactions or guidance sessions on the first day.
