1. Physical distancing at school
(Image: BBC)
Kids in school are used to sitting close to friends and may not understand why it is not safe to touch one another during a pandemic. Ensure the school provides physical distancing guidelines. There should be tape, paint, or chalk on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls for kids to follow when they have to stand in close quarters. Students and staff should remain at least 2 meters apart in lines, hallways and, sanitation facilities such as the bathroom.
2. Practicing health and hand hygiene
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Schools should urge students to be familiar with regular hand washing before entering each class. It is also best to provide hand sanitizers in front of every door. Clean hands can prevent transmission of the virus through contact. Additionally, teachers could encourage students to abstain from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Cleaning and disinfecting the classroom
(Image: Unicef)
Schools must carry out daily cleaning and disinfecting. Surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, doorknobs, and learning materials must be cleaned often and immediately after classes. Disinfectant with at least 70% alcohol is encouraged as it ensures that all germs are removed from the surface.
4.Regular screening tests
(Image: The Conversation)
Before entering the school grounds, monitor every student’s temperature and ask if they have been experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Students who are not feeling well and recorded high temperatures (37.5 degrees and above) should not be allowed on school premises. The same temperature screening should be done for the staff as well.
These guidelines should be implemented by all schools once it’s safe to reopen. Do not let your guard down in the midst of a pandemic and remember to keep the safety of you and your loved ones a priority.