Staggered Lunch Breaks, Quarantine Rooms: What're the SOPs for Delhi Schools?

A maximum of 50 percent students per classroom can be called, depending on the capacity, the DDMA guidelines said.

According to the Delhi government, attendance in schools run by it stood at 52.1 percent on 3 February 2021. Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo altered by The Quint)

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Monday, 30 August, issued guidelines for the reopening of schools and colleges in the national capital, saying that a maximum of 50 percent students per classroom can be called, depending on the capacity, and asked institutions to set up quarantine rooms for emergency use.

At present, students of Classes 10, 11, and 12 can attend schools – provided they have their parent's consent – for admissions and Board exam-related activities.

The decision for reopening of schools had reportedly been taken in view of a recommendation by an experts' panel formed by DDMA.

Here's all you need to know about the new rules.

Is school reopening for all classes in Delhi?

Earlier, Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia had announced that schools, colleges, and coaching institutes in the national capital will resume physical classes in a phased manner, with the reopening for Classes 9-12 from 1 September and for Classes 6-8 from 8 September.

Who will be allowed?

Students and teachers living in COVID-19 containment zones will not be permitted to visit schools and colleges and routine guest visits should be discouraged, the guidelines stated.

Do I need permission of my parents to attend physical school?

Yes. Earlier, Deputy CM Sisodia had said, "Social distancing should be strictly followed and no student will be forced to come to the school. Consent of parents will be essential for students to come. If parents don't permit, then students will not be forced to come; they'll not be considered absent either."

What has the DDMA said about staggered timetable?

• The DDMA has called for schools to prepare the timetables as per the occupancy limit of classrooms following COVID-19 norms:

• Only 50 percent of students are allowed in the classroom at any given point

• If the school is operating in two shifts, there should be one hour time gap between the two

• Schools are directed to have staggered lunch timings for classes

• Whenever possible, classes could also be held in open areas, the directive advised

What happens if a student/teacher show symptom during school hours?

All schools will be required to allocate a ‘quarantine room’ on campus. Schools are also directed to conduct random collection of samples of students and staff for COVID testing on a regular basis.

When will school reopen for primary classes in Delhi?

There is no update on this yet. Watch this space for more.

(With inputs from PTI)