Summary
Frequent sanitisation, mandatory use of face masks in schools
School authorities try their best to avoid shutdown
Schools across Delhi are taking steps to check the spread of COVID-19 amid a spike in cases but all agree shutting down educational institutions is not the solution.
Frequent sanitisation, mandatory use of face masks and sealing classrooms where someone has tested positive are some of the safety measures being adopted by schools.
Shubhi Soni, head, The Shri Ram Wonder Years, Rohini, said the coronavirus is here to say and one must adapt to the New Normal. “It will be reduced to an endemic, influenza and seasonal flu in the coming years. The move, in such a scenario, should be to allow a blended approach to learning that is, starting three days of offline schooling and two days of online schooling in a staggered way,” she said. “School closures, in any way, are not the solution as the students have backtracked in learning and it has taken a huge toll on their social and emotional well-being,” she said.
Anshu Mital, principal, MRG School, classes are being disinfected and students are being distances to fight COVID-19.
“Maintaining strict vigil to ensure the good health of students and staff administration is our top priority. The wellness staff headed by a counsellor is always available to address the concerns of parents and look after the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the learners,” Mital said. “As an educator, I hope that there are no school closures and we are able to impart continuous and qualitative learning to our students.”
The Shri Ram Millenium School in Noida has decided that in case three students in a section test positive in quick succession, the section will switch to online classes.
Alka Kapur, principal, Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, said closing the entire school is no longer an option.
“Until now the situation is not very alarming and we are taking all possible precautions to avoid another round of closures,” she said.
Sudha Acharya, chairperson of the National Progressive Schools' Conference (NPSC), which has over 120 Delhi schools as its members, said closing the entire school is no longer an option.
“Even experts advise against it. Cordoning off specific areas for sanitisation is a better option,” she said.
Last updated on 17 Apr 2022
