Thiruvananthapuram: Only 50 per cent of the students should be allowed at any given time when the schools reopen on January 1, the education department has instructed. Also, the seating arrangements in the classrooms should be such that only one student would be seated on a single bench in the first week.
The guidelines issued by the general education director have also said that it would be ideal to allow only 25 per cent of the students in schools that have over 300 children in classes 10 and 12.
Other guidelines:
• Schools should arrange for masks, thermometer, sanitisers and soaps.
• Class, via social media, for students who are unable to come to school.
• Students should be allowed at schools only if they have the parents' consent letters.
• The digital classes for class 10 would be completed by January 15, and for class 12 within January 30.
• The classes should be fixed in two phases - three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon.
• A shift system can be followed, if needed.
• Students should maintain 2-metre social distancing.
• Students should avoid eating food together. They should also refrain from sharing food, water or other materials used for school activities.
• The door handles of the classrooms, desks, and dusters should be sanitised every two hours.
• Facilities for medical checks should be arranged for children and teachers, if needed.
• Safe distance should be mandatorily maintained in school vehicles. Thermal checks should be carried out before entering the vehicles. Masks are also mandatory.
• Counselling must be given if children need mental support. Differently-abled students should be given special care.
• In the case of children who need special attention, the service of the resource teachers can be utilised to go to their homes and help in studies, if needed.
Form COVID cell
A COVID cell led by the headteacher must be formed in all schools. The cell should comprise the ward member, health inspector, PTA president, and representatives of the teachers and students. The cell should meet once in a week to ensure that the safety guidelines are followed.
A school-level plan must also be prepared. Sick room must be set up to monitor children with COVID-19 symptoms. There should be first-aid kits as well. Daily reports must be submitted to the healthcare workers.
The safety arrangements in the school must be discussed in staff council and PTA, and this information must be conveyed to the parents during online class PTA meetings.