Students In India Start Returning To Schools

Students in three Indian states–Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim have started getting back to schools with a hiatus of about 7 months over the coronavirus pandemic.

Students in the states have begun returning to schools from October 19 as per decisions from respective state authorities.

But to get back to schools, students are required to have written permission from their parents.

In addition, they need to maintain social distancing and wear face masks among others to attend schools in person.

Moreover, all the schools across the three states have been asked to follow strict Covid-19 safety guidelines issued by the state authorities.

As a part of Unlock 5.0, students of 9th to 12th classes have begun attending their respective schools to take in-person classes.

To note, along with offline classes, online class will continue that no student are forced to come to school.

School reopening fixtures in UP :  As per class schedule released by the Uttar Pradesh govt, the classes will be held in two shifts. The first shift will begin from 8:50 am to 3:50 pm, while the second shift will be held from 12:20 pm to 3:20 pm. The classes for 9th and 10th students will be held in first shift, while classes for 11th and 12th students will be taken in second shift.

School reopening Schedules in Punjab :  In this state, schools for 9th to 12th grade students will remain open for three hours a day only in the areas outside containment zones.

Reopening Rules in Sikkim :  In the state, winter holidays for students are decided to be abandoned completely this year. The classes will be held six days a week, with Saturday being a half day.

Safety Guidelines For Students & Schools : Students without mask will not be allowed to enter the school. Also, only 50% students will be called on one day, while the remaining 50% students will be called for class the next day.

All students must wear full sleeve shirt or T-shirt, full pants and shoes with socks. Any student, teacher or school staff with Covid-19 symptoms like cough and cold will not be allowed to enter the school.

Social distancing rule has to be followed during classes as well. The schools have been instructed to ensure that the students sit at a sufficient distance from each other.

Besides, there will be daily cleaning and sanitization of the entire classroom and school premises, along with furniture, stationery, canteen, lab. Source : TOI