Govt issues protocols for reopening of schools from Oct 1

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 29, 2021

The state government has decided to allow reopening of schools from October 1.

According to a notification issued on Wednesday, schools from class I to XII in rural areas are allowed to reopen from October 1.

As far as urban areas are concerned, the government will allow only school visits or online classes for class I to V while class VI to XII will reopen.

The notification has also issued protocols and maintained that consent of parents is paramount. “Parents will have final say on the physical presence of their wards, attendance norms shall be relaxed,” it said.

Teaching hours will be limited to three to four hours per day and no cultural gathering or sports events will be permitted.

Schools/colleges have been asked to provide isolation facilities and tie up with local health departments for any emergency situation.

The deputy commissioners have been empowered to assess the risk locally and decide on reopening schools.

The DCs have been asked to constitute a task force committee which will be empowered to assess the COVID-19 situation and the feasibility of school/college reopening.

The notification further stated that vaccination is encouraged for teachers/staff. Non vaccinated teachers/staff will have to undergo mandatory RT PCR test every 10 days and submit the test certificate to the school head.

It said only 15-20 students will be permitted to be present in a class at a given time and to ensure this, schools will call students on shifts or alternate days.