No need for health clinic on campus, tie up with health centre enough; RT-PCR mandatory for staff who are not vaccinated; rules meet mixed response
Photo for representational purpose. Picture Courtesy/iStock
Schools in the city need not set up individual health clinics on the premises, instead a tie-up with the nearest health centre should be enough, stated the detailed guidelines for reopening of schools issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 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.
With reopening of schools for Standard VIII to XII on the cards from Monday, there is excitement as well as anxiety among stakeholders.
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The state government’s education department had already issued a set of guidelines on September 24 along with the Government Resolution (GR) approving reopening of schools in urban areas of Maharashtra. Even as most points in the new guidelines are repeated from the GR, there are few differences which are receiving mixed reactions from schools.
Changing the requirement of a health clinic at each school has come as a relief to many. “Having a health clinic on campus which is running all the time was a difficult arrangement to make as it required the presence of a doctor. Many schools already have associations with nearby hospitals or clinics for various reasons, which can be continued further,” said the principal of a school. He, however, added, “Just as guidelines are issued to schools, all government hospitals should be informed about this. Private, high-profile schools have the option to connect with private hospitals, but for government schools, government health facilities are the only option. Without a specific government guideline, they are not going to entertain us, especially government schools.”
However, the rule for mandatory RT-PCR report for staff who are not vaccinated has met with major displeasure. “This is absurd. There could be various reasons for which a staff member is not yet fully vaccinated, starting from delay in the beginning of vaccination drives for younger sections of the society. We can understand encouraging all to get fully vaccinated; but asking them to present a RT-PCR report if not vaccinated is bizarre,” said a school principal.
The move, according to a teacher, is going to add to the stress of many staff members as the RT-PCR report will be valid only for 48 hours. “Does this mean one has to keep doing this test every two days? Who will pay for it,” asked a teacher. As per the rules, attendance of students in school is not mandatory and depends on parents’ consent. Students are to be seated in a zig-zag manner and the classes should not be held for more than three to four hours. Schools have also been asked to hold classes in batches if needed.
Guidelines for schools
. Approvals of school management committees and consent of parents is of utmost importance.
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.
. 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.
. There should be separate entry and exit to the school, if possible.
. No one other than students and teaching-non-teaching staff should be allowed on school premises.
. Recommended to not use air conditioning.
. Homework should be online to avoid exchange of books.
. Online meets with parents every week.
. Special care with students showing signs such as irritability and frustration.
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