Unlock 4.0: Schools Gear Up to Reopen; Parents Worried, Check Details Here

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The Central government has announced the reopening of schools from 21st September onwards under Unlock 4.0. Following the announcement, schools are all set to commence in many states.

Schools are scheduled to reopen in many states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The government on 8th September has allowed the states to open the schools partially along with following COVID guidelines. However, parents of many students are still fearful and worried about sending their ward to schools.

Seema Agarwal, parent of a student in Hyderabad stated that she will not send her daughter to the school, be it partial or full reopening. She is skeptical that schools may not be prepared with the required infrastructure and COVID-19 measures.

While another parent, Sijo Sebastian, a Bengaluru parent agreeing to the point of Mrs. Agarwal added that reopening of school for classes 9 to 12 will push the authorities to reopen the school for other classes as well. He said that he won’t send his son who studies in junior classes.

Following the concerns of parents, many private schools are likely to not resume offline classes for some time. On the other hand, some schools are preparing to resume schools in the offline mode.

Schools are expected to follow all the guidelines proposed by the centre which includes thermal screening, availability of sanitizers, use of face masks by students and staff. However, schools are still unsure about enforcing social distancing as it will be the biggest challenge.

“We are mostly ready with the required safety measures as mandated by the central government’s standard operating procedure (SOP). But the education department in Karnataka has not released each SOP for all types of schools.” Shashi Kumar, general secretary of the Karnataka Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools said previously.

Guidelines for reopening

Students’ attendance in schools is not compulsory. The students can attend classes both online and offline. If the classes go successfully and safely, then decisions regarding reopening lower classes will be taken in October.

The Central Government has laid down various things to keep in mind about attending the school. A school in Karnataka stated,”, oximeters, hand sanitizers, and other required equipment in the system. We are regularly sanitizing the building”. For most of the schools, maintaining and ensuring social distancing will be a big challenge.

Parents are also tensed about the social distancing norms and how the schools will take care of the same. Teachers are also unsure about ensuring 100% social distancing during the classes

A section of parents has questioned the school authorities that if their child is infected with COVID, then how schools will be able to fix it.

While some parents reason the reopening of schools as a perfect way to collect fees. Private schools have charged fees for transportation and various facilities which students have not even used. The reopening of schools has given a reason for private schools to charge these extra fees.