STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR PARTIAL RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES OF SCHOOLS IN THE STATE OF ASSAM

 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR PARTIAL RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF ASSAM (FROM CLASS IX, X, XI & CLASS XII). 

The Government of Assam in Secondary Education Department is pleased to notify the Standard Operating Procedure for partial resumption of activities of schools in the State of Assam for class IX , X, XI to XII in the Schools and Colleges maintaining all the protocols under COVID-19 pandemic. The Standard Operating Procedure will come into effect from 21st September, 2020 and shall be operative for a period of 15 (fifteen) days. Subsequently, the SOP may be modified after observing the situation for 15 (fifteen) days. 

■ Salient features of the Guidelines : ,

1. From 21st September, 2020 partial resumption of activities in Schools and Colleges. 
2.  Students from class IX, X, XI & XII will be part of this partial resumption exercise. 
3. All other classes will remain suspended. 
4. For the students of class IX & XII classes, for guidance and counselling session will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 
5. For the students of class X & XI classes, for guidance and counselling session will be conducted on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 
6. For every session , the students should be divided into 2 batches. In case in any session , where total number of students is less than 20, then division of batch will not be required. 
7. First batch of students will come to school at 9.00 am and they will be there in the schools up to 12.00 noon, for the 2nd batch of Students, the classes will be from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. 
8. School authority will ensure that before commencing informal class of the 2nd batch, the first batch students are send back home. or Students will come to the school provided their parents have no objection and as such written undertaking/confirmation from the parents should be produced in the schools. 
9. Total number of teaching and non-teaching staff should be restricted to 50%. ,
10. Teachers with severe Comorbid condition such as chronic kidney disease, type two diabetics with severe condition, heart surgery and suffering from cancer will be exempted by the Head of the institutions from attending schools. Head of the institutions will be in touch with Health Authority for regular random checking, random testing of the teachers and students on weekly basis covering maximum 10% of the teachers and students in the given date. 
11. The detailed guidelines in this regards is available at www.ssa.assam.gov.in 
12. A State Help line and Toll free no. 18003453525 maintained by Samagra Siksha (SS), Kahilipara, Guwahati-19, for any clarification on working days. 

■ Measures for before opening of Schools and during operationalisation for maintaining health protocal and hygine. 

1. The Generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID 19. These measures need to be observed by all (teachers, employees and students) in these places at all times.

■ These include: 

1. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed. 
2. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory. 
3. Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible. 
4. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly. 
5. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest. 
6. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. 
7. Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible. 
8. Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed as per Guidelines issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
    

■ Hygiene and Sanitation 

1. Daily cleaning of the floors shall be taken up.
2. Provision of soap in toilets and hand sanitizers in other common areas insufficient quantity must be ensured.Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, handrails, chairs, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all classrooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas etc. before beginning of classes and at the end of the day. 
3. Teaching materials, computers, laptops, printers, shall be disinfected with 70% alcohol wipes. 
4. Deep cleaning of all drinking and hand washing stations, washrooms and lavatories shall be ensured. 
5. co- Students and employee should be advised to dispose of used face covers / masks in separate covered bins placed in classrooms, workstations and other common areas. The same may remain stored in the bins for 3 days and disposed of as dry general solid waste after cutting/shredding.
    

■ SOP to be followed in case a student/teacher/employee develops symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty in breathing) 

1. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others. 
2. Inform parents/guardians as the case maybe. 
3. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline. 
4. A risk assessment shall be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, their contacts and need for disinfection.