Bhubaneswar: The schools across Odisha reopened today after a gap of more than nine months due to COVID-19 pandemic.
As per the decision of the State government, classes of only X & XII standard students of all govt-aided and private schools reopened today with all the required Covid-19 safety norms.
While all proper arrangements have been put in place, wearing of masks and use of sanitizer have been mandatory for both students and teachers.
As per the protocol, the students will have to bring consent letters from their parents to school. They will be allowed into the classroom after thermal screening. In case of any COVID symptoms, they will be quarantined in an isolation room following which a medical team will be informed to conduct tests on them.
The seating arrangements have been made keeping social distancing guidelines in mind. A maximum of 20-25 students will be allowed to sit in a classroom and they have been divided into several sections. All the classroom will be sanitised everyday after the class.
Keeping the rush during lunch break into consideration, schools have been directed to allow students in phases to have lunch. Students will sit in their designated seat every day and will not be allowed to change.
However, the government has warned of stern action against the school managements if found to be violating the standard operating procedure (SOP).
Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra on Tuesday asked the health and family welfare department to conduct frequent health check-ups in educational institutions and hostels as a preventive against any possible large breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
