Govt issues SOPs for reopening schools, varsities

The federal government has issued the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for avoiding the spread of contagious coronavirus disease among students after the possible reopening of educational institutions across the country from September 15.

The government had earlier announced to reopen schools and other educational institutions from mid of September in view of the constant drop in the number of coronavirus infections in the country. However, a final decision about the reopening of educational institutions will be taken on September 7.

According to the new SOPs, no assembly of students will be held in the school in the morning and the students will go to their classes directly. The guideline also recommends parents not to rely on public transport to drop their children to school.

The SOPs also make it mandatory for students to wear masks, wash their hands, and keep social distancing. It also asks educational institutions to ensure screening of students at their entry to schools and not to allow students suffering from fever, cough, and cold.

Schools are asked to divide each class into two sections and to teach each section separately in different shifts of 4-hour each. The break or half-time will also be observed in shifts.

The SOPs also recommend limiting the use of canteens and urge the parents to provide home-made food to their kids. Schools and seminaries have also been asked to make arrangements to tackle any emergency situation.

The health SOPs will be implemented by the administration of educational institutions in consultation with the local administration. Authorities will provide guidelines to administrators of educational institutions. The SOPs also call for the adherence to safety measures at hostels.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2020.