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Daily disinfection of classrooms and closure of cafetarias are among safety measures to be implemented at schools across Bahrain as they prepare to reopen next month.
Students, teachers and school staff will have to wear mask at all times while maintaining social distancing.
The guidelines were released by the Education Ministry following a decision last month to implement a ‘hybrid format’ whereby parents will have the choice either to send their children to school or continue with online learning.
The 15-page document provides public and private schools with detailed instructions on implementing precautionary and preventive measures.
It’s part of national efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19 while also providing a safe educational environment, the ministry said.
Measures include activating the role of health and safety committee at schools, providing enough sanitisers, temperature checks before entry and suspension of all extra-curricular activities on and off campus as well as the morning assembly.
“In case of a suspected Covid-19 infection, the person should be isolated immediately while taking all precautionary measures,” said the ministry in the bylaws.
“All those who came in contact with the suspected case will also be isolated and parents informed along with a report submitted immediately to the ministries of Education and Health.
“There will be no evacuation of schools in the event of a suspected case – but isolation is crucial along with disinfecting all surfaces touched by the individual.”
The ministry said it’s vital to ensure children remain calm if a suspected case arises.Bathrooms, classes and laboratories must be disinfected on a daily basis.
A supervisor must also be assigned to monitor bathrooms to ensure social distancing and adequate supplies of tissues, soap and sanitisers throughout the day.
It will be mandatory for students, teachers and staff members to wear masks at all times while on campus with no exception, while ensuring hands are properly washed.Use of elevators should be limited to children and staff with special needs.
“Different and consecutive timings will be assigned for dismissal of children from class with no less than five minutes given between each slot to avoid congestion and gatherings in one place,” the ministry said.
Maximum capacity of classes will be determined by achieving a distance of 6sqm between each student.
“Students with chronic illnesses, special needs, those undergoing treatment and who have mild mental conditions are excused from attending schools and alternative arrangements will be made for their education,” added the ministry.
Canteens
Meanwhile, parents have been instructed to wait in their cars to pick up their children.
They have also been told to provide children with healthy food and water as canteens will be closed until further notice.
Children will also be instructed to refrain from sharing meals or eating in groups.
Meanwhile, several private schools have sent circulars to parents to prepare them for the new academic year should they choose hybrid or virtual learning format.
They included detailed information about measures to be implemented at schools to ensure the safety of all those on campus.
Public schools are scheduled to open on September 16 while some private schools are planning to start classes on September 2.
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