Coronavirus: Schools can reopen for Classes 9 to 12 voluntarily amid COVID-19
New Delhi:
Partial opening of schools will be allowed on a voluntary basis from September 21, the government said today, releasing detailed guidelines that include safety measures. This, however, will be applicable only to older students who belong to Class 9 and above.
There is no word no opening schools for younger students, who are among the population vulnerable to coronavirus.
The guidelines said the government encourages online classes, but older students “will be permitted to visit schools on voluntary basis”. This, however, will require written permission from parents and guardians.
Such visits, the government said, will have to be arranged in a staggered manner, as maintaining 6-feet distance between students in classes will be mandatory. Physical distancing will also have to be maintained in staff rooms, office area, cafeterias, libraries and other places.
The other safety measures would include the use of masks, sanitisers, frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
For now, the presence of only 50 per cent teaching and non-teaching staff will be allowed, the government has said.
