New unlock guidelines: What does it mean for schools, colleges, other education institutions

New unlock guidelines: The Home Ministry has issued a new set of directives for another phase of unlock but hasn’t made any changes to the existing Unlock 5 guidelines. It said that the existing guidelines will be applicable for November as well. A strict lockdown will, however, be observed in containment areas. 

On reopening of schools and other educational institutions, states and UTs have been given an upper hand to decide whether to resume classes or not. However, online learning has been encouraged to avoid the spread of virus. Students have the option of not going to school and continue distance learning. 

However, if a student decides to go to school, a written consent of parents or guardians will be mandatory. States and Union Territories will need to prepare their SOPs in line with the Centre’s Unlock 5 guidelines, and in accordance with the ground situation in their respective units. 

Higher institutions can reopen only for PHd and PG students in Science and technology streams that need experimental or lab work. The attendance will depend on parental consent and schools cannot enforce it. Schools will also have to alter students’ seating plans to ensure physical distancing and have staggered entry and exit timings and timetables for different groups of students. 

Physical distancing must be maintained at schools and students and teachers must wear face masks at all times. Lastly. schools are mandated to ensure proper cleaning and sanitisation of all parts of the school, provision for hand wash and disinfection, seating plan, safe transport plan, staggering of time table and classes, precaution at entry and exit points. 

Next month will crucial in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 with festivals leading to mass gatherings.