Chennai: After a gap of six months, the Tamilnadu government on Thursday announced opening of schools for students studying in classes 10 to 12 to seek help and guidance from the teachers.
However, the students could come to schools on a voluntary basis after getting the consent of their parents. This would be applicable for government, government-aided and private schools located outside containment zones.
Students and teachers living in containment zones would not be allowed to visit the schools. Schools were allowed to have 50 per cent of the teachers at a time, the SOP released by the state government said.
Schools in the State were remained closed since March in view of the Covid-19 induced lockdown to prevent spread of the virus and students had been attending online classes for the last two months.
According to the SOP, the students of classes 10 to 12 would be divided in two batches, with the first could come to school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the other batch on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Only 50 per cent of students would be allowed in a class on any given day to avoid crowding. Teachers also would be working in two batches and could work for two days at a stretch, alternatively.
This arrangement was subject to obtaining a written consent from the parents or guardians of the students. The government also said classes through online or distance mode will continue.
Physical distancing of at least six feet should be followed while making seating arrangements in classrooms and schools were advised to use outdoor spaces for conducting teacher-student interactions, weather permitting.
Before the students visit to school commence, schools were advised to disinfect the premises thoroughly.
School managements have been asked to take responsibility for the upkeep of their premises and principals should ensure that all persons on the campus wear face masks.
All those entering the school would be subjected to thermal screening and appropriate back up items like face masks and sanitizers should be kept available at all times.