School Reopens From 21 September in India | 9th to 12th Class Students
Partial opening of schools will be allowed but only on voluntary basis from September 21, the government said today, more than five months after they had shut in view of the coronavirus outbreak. This, however, will be applicable only to older students who belong to Class 9 and above, the government said. The final decision has been left to the parents, who will have to provide a written permission for wards going to school.
There is no word no opening schools for younger students. Children below the age of 10 are among the population particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.
A detailed guideline the government issued today said it encourages online classes, but older students "will be permitted to visit schools on voluntary basis".
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.