Daily random sampling must as schools open in Punjab today

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, July 25

With the opening of schools for Classes X-XII from Monday, the School Education Department has decided to conduct random sampling of students for Covid. One student per 100 will be tested every day in schools.

In a letter to school heads, the department has conveyed that one official in every district would be nominated as district Covid nodal officer to keep a tab on the situation with the help of the health department. The schools have been asked to inoculate all students above 18 years. They have to upload data related to positive cases and students vaccinated on the portal of the department.

All schools that were used as Covid care centre will be fully sanitised. School managements have been asked to ensure vehicles were sanitised before they start plying.

There must be at least 6-ft distance between students. If there are a large number of students and distancing norms are not maintainable, school managements may hold classes in two shifts or call students on alternate days.

If there is shortage of vaccine for students, the district education officers have been asked to contact the DCs. All school employees who are at greater risk of infection have been asked to take extra precautions. They should not be exposed to any frontline work requiring direct contact with students.

There should be no congregations or meetings. Schools have been asked not to organise events where distancing is not possible. Functions and celebration of festivals shall be avoided. School assembly, however, may be conducted by students in their respective classrooms or outdoor spaces under the guidance of class teacher.

To-do list

• Inoculate all students above 18 years of age
• Upload data of positive cases and students vaccinated on department website
• Sanitise campuses used as Covid care centres
• Ensure 6-ft distance between students
• Assign no frontline duties to vulnerable employees
• Hold no functions or meetings on school premises

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