Education Department instructs DEOs to ensure SOPs at schools

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 19

In view of the rise in the number of Covid cases in schools, the Education Department has issued fresh instructions to the DEOs to ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are properly followed in all the schools-government, private, aided etc. for the safety of students and staff.

During a recent review meeting held by the officials, it was observed that in many schools, the guidelines are not being followed religiously.

A principal of a government school here said in many government schools, both the students and teachers were taking Covid lightly. It is because of that lenient approach that Covid cases have come to light. In the district only, Covid cases are reported from about 5-6 schools in the last about one month.

“Schools have opened but there are no masks for students to wear. Authorities need to provide masks, sanitisers in bulks for the safety of students. In other cases, the students don’t wear mask properly. Proper social distancing is not being properly maintained. Even the teachers are not strict with the students and they too move around in schools without wearing masks. We cannot blame the government for everything. For ensuring that fresh guidelines are followed, a teacher will act as the nodal officer, who will visit all over to check that all wear asks, proper distance is maintained, etc. Similarly, in every class, there will be a monitor, who will ensure that SOPs are adhered to. We cannot afford to be lenient as Covid has still not eliminated,” said the principal, wishing not to be quoted.

Recently, many Covid cases were reported from government schools creating panic among staff and students. The health teams are also visiting the schools from where Covid cases are reported and samples are taken. One of the schools was ordered to shut till March because many Covid cases were reported from there.