The Government of Punjab has issued the Standard Operating Procedure for health and safety protocols for reopening of schools and learning with physical/ social distancing.
The following guidelines have been given:
• Arrange for thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, storage places, water tanks, kitchens, canteen, washrooms, laboratories, libraries, etc. on school campus and ensure air flow in indoor space.
• Ensure availability of key supplies like thermometers, disinfectants, soaps, etc., and arrange for availability of these essentials. The thermometer to be used should be a calibrated contact-less infrared digital thermometer.
• Ensure sanitization of school transport before they start plying.
• Teachers, students and other stakeholders deemed fit for being the members of these task forces may be identified to be the members of these task forces who will work collaboratively to take strategic and immediate actions.
• As suggested by the Ministry of Health, there must be at least 6 feet distance between students in the revised seating plan. It is advisable to mark the seating that students should occupy.
• If there are single-seater desks, simply providing space between the desks in the classrooms to maintain physical/social distancing of 6 feet will be effective. If benches are used,’ one child one bench norm’ may be considered.
• Similarly, physical/social distancing shall also be maintained in the staff rooms, office area, and other places of public interaction.
• If available, temporary space or outdoor spaces (in case of pleasant weather) may be utilized for conducting classes, keeping in view the safety and security of the children and physical distance protocols.
• Seats may be designated with adequate distance for teachers in the staff room and other available rooms/halls.
• Staggering the timing of entry and exit for students of different classes.
• Earmarking different lanes for coming and going.
