New guidelines have been issued by the Meghalaya Government for re-opening schools from December 1 in view of Covid-19.
According to the statement declared on Friday, the school authorities are asked to design a daily plan of 30 minutes for class and five minutes of break after every period.
The statement asked to take an approach of three days for classes and two days for home assignment.
The government has also encouraged the online method of learning, despite reopening of schools.
The schools can either reopen for normal classes or continue with the existing arrangements or arrange students in groups (odd/even roll numbers etc) on larger enrollments of students.
The attendance should depend entirely on the consent of parents, according to orders.
The School Managing Committees (SMCs) were instructed to consult with the stakeholders prior to the reopening.
On receiving views and suggestions, the SMCs will then prepare a plan of action including awareness programme on COVID-19 for all teaching and non-teaching staff, sanitization of school premises, classrooms, toilets etc.
The school authorities will have to close down in case of COVID-19 suspects found with consultation of health officials.
State helpline numbers and numbers of local health authorities must be displayed during any emergency.
COVID-19 prevention measures posters and standees must be displayed in the campus, the statement added.
School buses have been exempted from the odd-even rules.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces must be done.
For health safety reasons students must not to be involved in any of the cleaning activities.
Health protocols including respiratory etiquettes, regular washing of hands, wearing of face masks, as well as periodical sanitization of school premises, should be followed.
If an individual is sick or symptomatic, he/she should be advised to stay home and follow the necessary protocols.
For the maintenance of students’ hygiene the parents are responsible as per guidelines.
Full opening classes for 6-8 in rural areas but partially in urban areas allowed.
Partial opening covers schools under urban/semi-urban towns of Shillong such as Jowai, Nongpoh, Tura, Byrnihat, Jorabat and Khanapara area.
Partial opening involves only consultations, assignments submission, discussion with teachers/counselors in the school premises, it explained.
Classes 1 to 5 have been allowed partial opening in rural areas and closure in urban/semi-urban areas of Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongpoh, Khanapara and Jorabat.
The JNV schools, however, have been recommended to open fully for classes 9-12.