Unlock 4 guidelines stipulated the opening of schools for students of class 9 and upwards from 21 September on a voluntary and staggered basis. The MoHFW has released the standard operating procedure in light of the COVID situation, for schools that would want to open for students from class 9 onwards.

The partial opening of schools is being permitted from 21 September. The guidelines and safety measures have been stipulated. This permission is being given only for students of class 9 onwards. Students can visit the school for guidance and coaching as per the SOP. This will however be allowed only on express permissions from the students' parents and guardians.

Only schools outside containment zones will be permitted to open. Student from containment areas will NOT be allowed to attend the school.

The SOP specify strict social distancing measures and these visits will be in a staggered manner, maintaining 6 feet distance between the students in classes. Physical distancing in staff rooms, office areas, cafeterias, libraries and other such places will also need to be ensured. Only 50% will be allowed in the school, say the guidelines.

Guidelines include the following:

• Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
• Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
• Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty.
• Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.
• Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing / sneezing with a tissue / handkerchief / flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
• Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
• Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
• Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible
• Students from class 9th to 12th will have the option of attending the classes remotely/virtually or physically only on a voluntary basis for guidance from their teachers subject to written permission of parent / guardian.

Click here for DETAILED GUIDELINES by MoHFW

• Strict queue management and sanitization of the premises before and after school hours shall be mandatory using specified chemicals.
• Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilise for conducting teacher student interaction taking care of social distancing.
• Assemblies, sports and events leading to crowding are strictly prohibited.
• Swimming pools to remain closed.
• Only asymptomatic persons (teachers, employees and students) to be allowed in the premises. If a teacher/employee/student is found to be symptomatic, he/she should be referred to nearest health center.
• Posters/standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
• If transportation facility is being managed by the school, proper physical distancing, sanitization of buses/other transport vehicles (with 1% sodium hypochlorite) shall be ensured.

All schools (with classes IX to XII) shall specifically ensure the following arrangements

• Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
• Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher – student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner.

All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the students.

Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions. Multiple gates/separate gates, if feasible, should be used for entry and exit.