Days after throwing metro service open for people in Unlock 4, the government has now released SOPs to reopen schools in India. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), from September 21 schools will partially reopen, and only for classes 9-12.

Here’s all you need to know:

Schools, that are located outside containment zones will only be allowed to reopen as of now. And the staff members and students, who live outside containment zones, will be allowed to attend.
Schools that were once a COVID care centre will be deeply sensitised.
Students will need written permission from their parents to visit the schools on a voluntary basis, to take guidance from teachers.
The Guidelines also suggest conducting classes in open spaces within the school campuses – weather permitting.
Sharing of items like notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle etc. amongst students should not be allowed.
Student-teacher interaction will take place in a staggered manner.
These rules will also apply to skill or entrepreneurship institutions, higher educational institutions conducting doctoral courses and postgraduate studies across the country.
Also, swimming pool (wherever applicable), school cafeterias would remain closed.
Further details of the SOPs are available on the health ministry’s website mohfw.gov.in.

Schools across the nation were thrown shut after coronavirus pandemic broke out in India in March. Since then, online classes are being conducted and will continue for the time being.