Schools in Tamil Nadu to partially reopen for Classes 9 to 12 from October 1

Schools in Tamil Nadu to open partially from October 1 for Classes 10 to 12. 

Tamil Nadu government has directed schools across the state to permit students from Classes 10 to 12 to come to their schools on a voluntary basis from October 1 to seek guidance from the teachers. However, schools must ensure that all the Standard Operating Procedure are followed to prevent further spread of coronavirus, the state government said. The students must be divided into two batches and those placed in the first batch shall come to school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the second on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Schools that are located in the containment zones are, however, not allowed to function and only those outside the hotspots can allow students, a state Government Order, citing the Centre's 'Unlock-4' guidelines of August 29 and accepting a proposal of the state school education department, said.

The state government has given nod for students studying in Classes 10 to 12 in government, aided and private schools to come to schools on a voluntary basis and with the written consent of parents. It also allowed the schools to call up to 50 per cent of teachers who are taking classes for standards 10 to 12, the G.O said. The government made it clear that assemblies, sports or other events that can lead to overcrowding must be strictly avoided.

Measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic and explained in the SOP such as thermal screening, wearing face masks, social distancing and disinfecting the school premises must be followed. Instead of biometric attendance for teachers/staff, alternative arrangements for contactless attendance should be made.

The Central Government Unlock 4 order allowed up to 50 per cent of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to schools at a time for an online classes, tell counselling and related work, in area outside the containment zones from September 21. However, the Tamil Nadu government did not open the schools on the said that and now has passed decision to open it from October 1. 

Schools in the state has been closed since mid-March in view of the COVID-19 lockdown.

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