The government has decided to open schools on the basis of the COVID-19 risk zone. The schools in least affected or risk free zones will be opened gradually following proper health safety measures.
KATHMANDU, Nov 12: The government has decided to re-open schools that remain closed for almost seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has decided to resume schools after the Chhath festival amid concerns from various quarters about the possible loss of this academic session. The Ministry is all set to publish a working model for schools before Tihar.
Chhath festival being observed today
A Spokesperson at the MoEST Dipak Sharma said most schools will resume classes from November 24 for board examination of grade 12. “The government has made all necessary preparations to resume classes in schools following health safety protocols,” he added.
Earlier, the National Examination Board (NEB) had made it compulsory to attend one-and-half hour-long physical examination for grade 12 students following health safety measures. Similarly, the government has already given the authority to local governments to take decisions to resume classes in schools.
The government has decided to open schools by ascertaining the level of risk of COVID-19 pandemic. The schools in least affected or risk free zones will be opened first following proper health safety measures.
The government has made it mandatory for all to use face masks, undergo measurement of body temperature, disinfect rooms, furniture and toilets, ensure proper ventilation in the classrooms and arrange hand washing and other hand hygiene facilities in schools to resume classes. Students will have to maintain at least one meter distance in classrooms and school vehicles will have to carry students half its total seat capacity.
The local government has been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor if schools are following proper health safety protocols determined by the government. The schools resuming their classes have been directed to inform teachers, students and parents two week earlier. Those from higher risk zones will have to undergo COVID-19 tests and inform school if there are any health issues before joining classes.
Even in the middle of the pandemic, some schools and colleges in the Kathmandu Valley and other local units have already been conducting physical classes following health safety protocols. Those with access to the internet and other resources have been conducting online classes.
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