With Covid cases on the decline in Karnataka, the state government has given its nod for reopening schools for students of Classes 1-5 from October 25, with strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour and SOPs issued by the Department of Primary and Secondary Education.
Parental consent letter for attending physical classes is mandatory, the order signed by Karnataka Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar says.
“There shall be screening for COVID 19 symptoms on entry, 50 percent of the capacity in a classroom, provision of hand sanitizers, physical distancing of one meter minimum as practically feasible, no crowding, particularly at school entry and exit,” the order says.
Only teachers and staff who have received both doses of the Covid vaccine will be allowed in Classes 1-5. “There shall be additional use of face shields by teachers who are over 50 years of age. The classrooms and rest rooms will be disinfected daily using 1 percent Sodium Hypochlorite solution,” the order says.
Welcoming the move, Canadian International School managing director Shweta Sastri said, “Younger kids need to be back in school as they have been socially isolated since March 2020. The psychological impact of this has already manifested in many kids and unfortunately will continue to manifest over the next few years. We are just delighted that these kids will finally be able to physically attend school.”
