GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has released a standard operating procedure (SOP) to reopen schools and other educational institutes in the state from September 21. Schools in the state have remained shut since March 15 due to COVID-19 outbreak.
As per the guidelines, students from Classes 9 to 12 will be allowed to attend schools and colleges, while all other classes will continue to remain suspended.
It further stated that for the students of class 9 and 12, classes will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On the other hand, for students of class 10 and 11, classes will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
“For every class, the students should be divided into two batches, so that, in any class, the total number of students is less than 20. The first batch of students will come to school from 9-12 am, for the second batch of students classes will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm,” read the guidelines, adding that for classes with less than 20 students, division in the batch will not be required.
It said the respective school authority will ensure that before the commencement of the classes for the second batch, the first batch students are sent back home.
The SOPs also mention that students will come to school only if their parents do not have any objection in this regard and an undertaking or confirmation in this regard must be submitted by the students at their respective schools. Given the pandemic situation, the total number of teaching, as well as non-teaching staff in schools, is to be restricted to 50%.
The schools with Classes from 9 to 12 have also been asked to ensure the continuation of distance/online learning, despite re-opening.
