Introduction

As India gradually lifts lockdown measures, the question of school reopenings has come to the forefront. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students and faculty is of paramount importance. This article provides a detailed protocol to be followed by schools during the reopening phase, incorporating necessary health measures and instructional adaptations.

Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols

Mandatory hygiene measures must be in place from the very moment students and staff enter the school premises. Hand sanitizers should be readily available at entry points, and students are required to sanitize their hands before entering any classroom. Additionally, facial masks must be worn by everyone, including teachers and students, at all times within the school premises. Regular sanitization of benches, boards, and other surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of germs.

Social Distancing Measures

To adhere to social distancing norms, limited seating arrangements in buses have to be implemented, with each student occupying one seat. This will ensure sufficient space during transport to and from school. Upon arrival, students should be guided to move into classrooms with social distancing maintained. Regular sanitization of hands and surfaces is mandatory in both in-class and out-of-class scenarios. Each classroom must have a limited number of students (two meters distance per student) to comply with social distancing requirements.

Health Monitoring and Other Measures

Mandatory daily health check-ups are crucial. Students should carry additional gloves and masks with them. Disinfection kits should be kept within classrooms to ensure that all surfaces and objects are regularly cleaned. Emphasis must be placed on the use of social distancing measures, one student per bench.

There will be an increased use of online classes and online examinations. After the lockdown, schools will conduct thorough sanitization, and parents will need to make informed decisions regarding whether their children should attend school. Schools will observe student attendance through an alternating schedule, such as even and odd roll numbers, or a strict boys and girls division, to minimize the number of students in the school at any given time. This will help ease parental concerns and maintain safety.

Long-Term Adaptations

Once the immediate health concerns are addressed, schools will shift to a more regular pattern with some permanent adaptations. PT periods, unfortunately, may be eliminated due to space limitations, but they may be replaced by more ICT-based activities. Students will likely need to invest in educational devices such as smartphones, laptops, or other devices to keep up with their studies.

Conclusion

The reopening of schools post-lockdown in India necessitates a holistic approach to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and faculty. By implementing comprehensive hygiene, sanitation, and social distancing measures, schools can create a safer environment for a smooth transition back to in-person learning.