Many states to partially reopen schools for students of classes 9-12 from today as per Unlock 4 guidelines

The schools in many States and Union Territories will partially reopen from today for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis. These include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh. Under Unlock 4, the central government has permitted the states to reopen schools from September 21.

However, the states have the authority to decide whether they want to resume schools from September 21 or not. Citing the high number of coronavirus cases, many states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have announced not to resume classes from today.

According to the Unlock 4 guidelines, schools are allowed to open with 50 percent teaching and non-teaching stuff. Students of class 9 to 12 are permitted to go to school strictly on a voluntary basis. Students will have to get a consent slip from their parents to visit the schools. However, the students and teachers who live in the containment zones, are not allowed to attend schools.

All the coronavirus preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, covering face with a mask or cover, washing or sanitizing hands need to be strictly followed. Thermal scanners for screening the body temperature of students and teachers are mandatory at the school entrance.

Schools have been advised to arrange different entry and exit gates if feasible. Government has asked schools to continue the virtual classes.