Meghalaya issues guidelines ahead of reopening of schools

SHILLONG: As schools are set to reopen across Meghalaya, the government has released instructions to ensure that COVID-19 rules are followed effectively. The move is aimed at completing the course and making way for preparations for the Board examinations.

In a statement issued by the government, it has been informed that the school authorities are empowered to design a daily plan with restrictions on the duration of classes to 30 minutes and a break of five minutes after each period.

A combination of three days dedicated to classes and two days for a home assignment can be considered to reduce the possible exposure to COVID-19, the statement said.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya: Classes 9-12 to fully reopen from Nov 30

Despite the reopening of schools, the government has, even so, encouraged online methods of learning. It stated that if students prefer online learning to classroom learning, they may be allowed to do so.

The schools are also at liberty to either reopen for normal classes or continue with the existing arrangements or arrange students in groups (odd/even roll numbers etc) if the enrolment is large, the statement said, adding that attendance must not be enforced but should depend entirely on parental consent.

The Meghalaya government further instructed school managing committees (SMCs) to consult with the stakeholders prior to the reopening.

On receiving views and suggestions, the SMCs will then prepare a plan of action including awareness programme on COVID-19 for all teaching and non-teaching staff, sanitisation of school premises, classrooms, toilets etc.

During schooldays, state helpline numbers besides numbers of local health authorities are required to be displayed for the need to contact during any emergency. Posters or standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 also need to be displayed in the campus, the statement added.

However, regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces have to be ensured.

Meanwhile, students have been advised not to be involved in any of the cleaning activities for health safety reasons.

If an individual is sick or symptomatic, he/she should be advised to stay home and follow the necessary protocols. It was further stated that parents will be solely responsible for maintaining students’ hygiene.

Partial opening covers schools under urban/semi-urban towns of Shillong such as Jowai, Nongpoh, Tura, Byrnihat, Jorabat and Khanapara area.

Partial opening entails only consultations, assignments submission, discussion with teachers/counselors in the school premises, it elaborated.

Moreover, classes 1-5 have been recommended for a partial opening in rural areas and closure in urban/semi-urban areas of Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongpoh, Khanapara, and Jorabat. The JNV schools, however, have been recommended to open fully for classes 9-12.

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