Guidelines for reopening of schools

Sub: SE COVID-19

Containment of spreading of Novel Corona Virus

(COVID-19) in the State Standard operating procedure to be followed

in all schools functioning under all the managements for the academic

year 2020-21- Certain instructions - Issued.

Ref:

From the CSE, AP, Lr.Rc. No. 105/A&l/2020, dt. 19.5.2020.

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The Commissioner of School Education, A.P., vide Lr. cited has reported the

Government that all the schools functioning under all the managements in the State

are to be re-opened on 12 June 2020, as per schedule. But, considering the present

situation in spreading of CovID-19 in the State, there may be an expected delay in

commencement of the next academic year 2020-2021 and that the closure of schools

due to COVID-19, poses greater challenges to education, mental and physical health.

Apart from the impact on education and school readiness for children, lock down of

schools is severely affecting Chitd mental health leading to anxiety and stress because

of lack of peer group interaction, which is one of the serious concerns as per UNESCO

studies. Evidences reveal that important aspects of scho0oling like immunization

programand feeding program are severely affected and the marginal families are

prone to even more inequality, hunger, malnutrition etc. There is increased risk of

violence against children at home, abuse and sexual harassment apart from risk of

increased child labour activities and child marriages. Social evils against children are

kept in check by encouraging education and schoolíng. Because of the on-going COVID-

19 situation, there is increased fear of increase in such evils, which affects the

children and the solution is to re-opening of the schools duly complying the security

protocol in order to ensure health and education..

2. The C.S.E., A.P., has therefore, proposed following Standard Operating

Procedure for re-opening of schools in the State, as and when the lock down of

educational institutions is lifted:

Preparedness of school premises:

a) Disinfecting the school premises like gate, door handle, switches,

windows, bathrooms, toilet, sink, hand wash and drinking water taps,

playground equipment, walls, benches etc., by disinfectant.

b) Fever check at the entry of the schools.

c) Two Automated hand wash stations (for 30 children) at the entry of the

school to ensure everyone washes their hands before entering school.

d) Washable cloth masks to be distributed to children and Teachers.

e) Posters on precautions to be followed are to displayed in the school

premises.