Punjab Government on Thursday has decided to reopen the schools from October 19, and issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for the same. However, the schools outside the containment zones are only allowed to open for the students of class 9 to 12 with the written consent of parents.
Those schools which were transformed into Covid Care Centres, KGBV hostel, and those hostels of schools where students were residing will be opened only after proper cleanliness and sanitization.
If any student is a day scholar in schools with accommodation then he/she can visit the school in compliance with the directions issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
Here are the guidelines which are to be kept in mind:
a) Online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
b) Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so.
c) Students may attend schools/institutions only with the written consent of parents.
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d) Schools which are being allowed to open after 15th October 2020 will have to follow mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by the Department of School Education in consultation with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab
e) Punjab COVA App should be installed by all staff members of the school
f) The water for drinking or handwashing may be having foot operating mechanisms
g) Dustbins should be covered and cover may operate by a foot pedal
h) Each school must have contact details of the local Health Authority to report any symptomatic cases among school staff or students promptly