Assam schools to reopen from Monday; classes from I to V to remain suspended

As the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed opening of schools and colleges with the announcement of Unlock 5, reports of several states planning to open educational institutions have been coming from different states. The MHA had allowed opening of schools and coaching institutions from October 15 in graded manner; however, states and Union Territories (UTs) were given upper hand to take decision in this regard.  

Now, in a latest development, Assam has decided to open schools and other educational institutions from tomorrow (Monday) outside containment zones with certain riders. It has been decided that Classes VI to XII will be conducted on alternate days will all necessary Covid guidelines. Classes VI, VIII, X and XII will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while for Classes VII, IX and XI it will be held on remaining days of the week, barring Sunday.

Classes under 5th standard will remain suspended until further orders. The state government while allowing opening of schools said the students can go to schools but only with the consent of their parents.    

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the education department to ensure that all Covid-19 guidelines are adhered.  

The state government has issued fresh set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in view of opening of schools. It has directed to sanitise all schools, colleges and educational institutions before conducting classes from Monday.  

Guidelines issued by Assam education department:  
*There will be two batches for each class. However, in case, total number of students is less than 20 in a class, then division in batch will not be required.  
*First batch of students will have their midday meal from 11.30 am to 12 noon and the next batch will have midday meal from 12.30 pm to 1pm.    
*Head of the Institution have been asked to ensure that the cook-cum-helpers take COVID test before resuming their job.    
*Schools/educational Institutions shall have to be sanitized on every weekend, preferably on every Sunday.  
*Students should be made aware about proper and scientific use of mask, frequent change of mask, sanitization, maintenance of physical distance of minimum 6 ft. both inside and outside the classroom, said the guidelines  
*Temperatures check of all students/teachers etc. shall be done every day through thermo scanner.  
* Contact with the nearest PHC/CHC in case of fever, cough, difficulty in breathing/ medical emergency.  
* A district level task force Chaired by Deputy Commissioner of the District and consisting of District Heads of the concerned line Department as members will be responsible for ensuring enforcement of the SOP.    
*Schools shall not be opened in containment zones till further instructions from the Govt.  

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* Students/teachers/school administrators who have been quarantined (home/institutional) can attend school provided they produce medical fitness certificate relating to COVID-19 issued by competent medical authority.