Unlock 5.0: States to Decide on Reopening of Schools after October 15

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The Ministry of Home Affairs has released the guidelines for Unlock 5 on September 30, 2020. According to the released guidelines, all the state governments are going to take a flexible decision regarding the reopening of schools and colleges only after October 15, 2020.

As per the guidelines, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and the Ministry of Education will take a mutual decision on the timing of reopening colleges, higher educational institutes, and schools. The decision will be based on consultations with MHA. In the meantime, the online and distance learning classes will continue as it is.

MHA issues new guidelines for re-opening; gives flexibility to States/UTs for opening of schools

Cinemas/ theatres/multiplexes outside the containment zones, permitted to open with upto 50% of seating capacity from October 15

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Details: https://t.co/0FsSFa5D74 pic.twitter.com/N0mE6DOVnS
— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 30, 2020

The guideline reads, "For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions state and UTs have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020 in a graded manner. The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation”.

Read: No Plans to Reopen Schools Anytime Soon during the COVID-19 pandemic, confirms Karnataka Education Minister

Unlock 5.0 Guidelines: Key Points and Details

The Center has given the state governments the flexibility to take decisions on reopening of schools and colleges in a graded manner. The decision will be taken only after October 15, 2020. The key points of the latest Unlock 0.5 Guidelines are as follows:

Online and Distance Learning classes shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching.
If students preferred to attend the online classes rather than physically attend schools, they can do so as per MHA guidelines.
Students who'll be attending schools or institutes doubt solving classes can do so only with the written consent of their parents.
Schools are mandatory to follow the Education Department Of state SOPs guidelines while conducting classes.
Attendance will not be enforced on students.
From October 15, the colleges/institutes having research scholars of Ph.D. and Postgraduate students of science and technology stream (that requires laboratory experiments works) are permitted to open.
In a closed space, only a maximum of 50% of the room capacity is allowed (with a ceiling of 200 persons).
Lockdown will continue in the containment zones till October 31 until further notice.

Read: Puducherry Schools to Reopen for Classes 9-12 from October 5; Guidelines Here

As per the Unlock 0.4 Guidelines released earlier, many schools have begun their doubt solving classes for classes 9th and above.

With the release of new guidelines, schools will now have to wait for the state government announcements of schools reopening schedules for further guidance.

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