KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday decided to reopen all schools in the province from September 15 and issued standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The provincial government has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be adopted by the schools’ management, students, teachers and others in the province during the academic session starting from September 15.

SOPs for School Management

Regularly disinfect schools buildings, classrooms, water and sanitation facilities Adjust school days and timings to avoid large gathering of students in a classroom Split students of Pre-Primary, Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary in number of shifts Avoid a large number of teachers in a classroom Wearing a face mask is mandatory Use Saturday as working day till pandemic is over Students, teachers and other staff with Covid-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter schools Morning assembly must be held in the respective classroom. Place hand sanitizers in halls

SOPs for Teachers

Teach the students to cover mouth and nose while coughing Ensure classroom furniture is properly placed with adequate distance Encourage students to express and communicate their feelings

SOPs for Students

Wear face mask during travel and schooling Wash your hands frequently Don’t touch the face Do not share cups, food or drinks with others Don’t stigmatize your peers or tease anyone about being sick

SOPs for Transport

The school van/ vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned/ disinfected before the start of each shift Van driver must ensure that all students, staff including himself are wearing masks The van driver must leave only after all students are through so that no child is left outside the gate in case of fever.

Earlier on August 27, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood had said that the final decision regarding the reopening of educational institutions will be taken with consensus on September 7.

Briefing the NCOC, Shafqat Mehmood emphasized that the educational institutions must ensure compliance to all Covid-19 protocols and prepare accordingly before the final decision.