The Maharashtra government had announced the resumption of physical classes in schools from October 4. The decision was taken after consulting health officials as well as the state government's Covid-19 task force, state Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad had said. Pic/Sameer Markande
The guidelines, announced on Thursday, also stated that all teaching and non-teaching staff should be fully vaccinated. In case they are not vaccinated, they have to furnish a negative RT-PCR report, done 48 hours prior. Pic/Sameer Markande
Students’ attendance in school will not be mandatory. One student on each desk-bench to sit in a zig-zag manner. Fixed seating arrangement preferred. Pic/Sameer Markande
If there are more students, classes should be conducted in batches. Duration of any class should not be more than 3 to 4 hours. No lunch breaks. Pic/Sameer Markande
There should be separate entry and exit to the school, if possible. No one other than students, teaching and non-teaching staff should be allowed on school premises. Pic/Sameer Markande
Sport in which close physical contact is unavoidable is not allowed. In individual sports, precautions should be taken. Have eyes on unfit players. Physical training with proper distance between students may be allowed. Pic/Sameer Markande
Teachers should observe students showing behaviour patterns like mood swings, depression, loss of interest in academic activities and communicate with them. Pic/Sameer Markande
BMC has asked school staff to look out for students showing symptoms like breathing uneasiness, rashes, cold, temperature, red eyes, split lips, swollen fingers, omitting, gastric pain. Refer them to doctors. Pic/Sameer Markande
The civic body has recommended schools to not use air conditioning. Homework should be online to avoid exchange of books. Pic/Sameer Markande
Parents, teachers should meet regularly and discuss Covid-19-appropriate protocols like personal hygiene, cleaning of masks. Schools are allowed to raise resources through CSR. Pic/Sameer Markande
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